Nice set-up you have there. Do you also train non-LE?
4 Likes
So is this only for law enforcement or can civilians take the course? Because as an instructor I would definitely want to have this course in my credentials
4 Likes
The way the program works, as I understand it, someone has to certify that you are either current or retired law enforcement. (This has caused some issues for retiring LEOs who have chiefs that refuse to sign off on the program.) There are some grey areas regarding who qualifies as law enforcement, but Iām unaware of a similar program for those who have never been a law enforcement officer.
6 Likes
I teach firearms training and permit to carry. Not that it really counts as anything. The reason why this course sounds like a good idea is that it would give me and my students even more knowledge on not only how best to conduct ourselves but when having to engage law enforcement when dealing with the aftermath of a defensive encounter. More knowledge is better than not enough and I personally would prefer to have a better eye on things. I think those who teach the permit to carry stuff should be able to take this course on that basis. Thanks for clarifying. Our community seems to be as well knit and helpful as those who own Jeeps. Which speaks volumes. Again, many thanks.
5 Likes
Cool! Iām from Arlington, VA. My class for LEOSA, They call it the HR218 Certification Course in NC is in December. The class was full for November. Only one class every month and only seven people per class.
4 Likes
Yes that is correct it is the HR218. In the class I attended had about 20 retired LEOs.
4 Likes
Yes, I have heard most call it that. It seems odd to me as House Bill 218 is the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act that was passed. We do not name any other laws based on their house bill number.
6 Likes
I had a hard time looking for it at first because I was looking for Law Enforcement Officer Safety Act Course, but it finally came up as HR218 Course.
5 Likes
FWIW, USCCAās state law pages often mention how the state handles LEOSA.
Hereās Wisconsinās page, as an example.
Wisconsin Concealed Carry Gun Laws: CCW & Reciprocity Map | USCCA(Last Updated 05/19/2021) (usconcealedcarry.com)
This is especially useful, because almost every agency has their own rules / policies / procedures for getting a LEOSA card.
5 Likes
As a former LEO, welcome to the LEOSA community. Just for your own knowledge, the qualification varies for each state. I will also tell you to be careful where you tread with your credentials and firearm(s). We like to say knowledge is power, so before traveling check the rules. Ie: Notification requirement if stopped in certain states, magazine capacity limits may also apply as well as hollow point bullet restrictions. These are just some of them. Iām also going to tell you that many of the duly sworn officers donāt know the law or may interpret it differently. Remember, in HR 218 it states concealed. Of course that wouldnāt apply in open carry states where you were allowed to carry. Just a fair warning. Congratulations on your prior retirement by the way! USCCA is a great resource for pretty much everything on firearms training and resources. Training, scenarios, legal questions etc. I only joined in July and am very pleased with everything. I also try to keep a copy or photo of my firearms purchasing receipt with me. Be safe and may God Bless. Enjoy Your Retirement, itās Great!
6 Likes
Welcome to the family brother @James1281 glad you are here. Your post is on point and I have been reading up on other state laws in caseI do decide to travel. LEOSA credentials are good to have but if you run into some young LEO out there looking to make a name for themselves you may have a problem. I will definitely take your advice.
4 Likes
Morning Johnny, I retired from NJ ! I actually celebrated 20 years out. Oct 31st, 2002 was my last day. Many things have changed in LE. Truthfully I miss the old days. Honestly Iāve experienced both sides of the spectrum. There are guys who chose a career, and others who got in it to get a pension. Living now in south western PA, I have a range set up outside my home. I tell people I went from the hood to the woods, and thatās ok. Iām friends with many of the local town officers here, even though town is 23 miles away. Thankfully, Iāve never had to display a firearm in those 20 years. Iāve had to dispatch an animal or two but that was after notifying the game commission. Well my Friend, enjoy your retirement. My best to you and your family, stay safe, healthy, and may God Bless. Jimšŗšø
5 Likes
I have been retired since 2004 from NYPD and just started my second retirement social security. I sometimes sit home and wonder where did life go. I also come from the hood, from the PJs as we used to call them. Well hopefully you stay on with us and we can learn from one another. New Jersey was no joke. I made a pitstop there for about 2 years before moving to VA. Big difference here, relaxing and chilling.
7 Likes
Johnny, Iām glad the WTC didnāt put you out as one of the many casualties. I lost about 5 friends from it. I was a Sgt. and had just gotten off the midnight shift that prior evening. My neighbor came pounding at my door telling me to turn on the TV. I looked in disbelief. We were on the other side near the Lincoln Tunnel. I remember that day like it was yesterday. I drove to our HQ and I was the only car on the NJ tpk. A very empty feeling. 495 leading into the tunnel was closed, but of course they let me thru. A Very sad day in my career as Iām sure it was in yours. Interestingly my nephew choose to be a PO and is now a Capt. in NJ, my step son is a fireman in Alexandria VA. Weāll time to run, I went from 35x100 to 30 acres and thereās some things that need to be done.
Catch you soon. Jimšŗšø
6 Likes
Maybe one day we will hook up and go shooting brother and tell some war stories. Iām about 5 hours away Chesapeake, VA. PM me if possible.
4 Likes
Brother @James1281,
Thank you for the information and this letter. I already heard it but was not sure because I did not see it on paper. Man this is great news and thank God we are finally getting things in our favor. There are a lot of retired LEOs as part of this community and I am sure they will be happy also.
5 Likes
Yes sir Brother, I knew youād like it. I just got it from my retired NJ State Local #600. All Iām going to say is itās about time. Be Safe and May God Bless You and Your Family.
3 Likes
You have to have an entity like the FOP file a suit in Federal court to allow retired cops to carry firearms? Have you guys ever thought of moving to Utah or one of the many other Constitutional Carry States?
4 Likes
Johnnyq60, I live in Texas and New Jersey sounds like the saddest state for law enforcement or civilians about the right to carry a gun concealed or openly. Texas would never disrespect you or your service. Our Governor and AG would never put up with mistreatment of retired law enforcement or law abiding citizens. I thank God bless Texas! 
Bobby Jean
5 Likes