Carrying off-duty?

[tphil9]

I noticed on chp.net there is a section that shows a list of states and if you are allowed to carry your weapon. I noticed that California says you cannot carry off-duty. That doesnt make any sense to me, am I reading it wrong? What are the policies/laws for carrying your weapon when not in uniform/off-duty???

[Cameron]

Perhaps it means that peace officers from OTHER states are not allowed to carry while off-duty in California..

[nobody33]

Thats out of date. Federal law allows most officers to carry nationwide off duty. google HR 218 for the details.

[Chippysgt]

In response to your specific question, CHP officers are authorized to carry concealed weapons off duty in California. Retired CHP officers can do the same as long as their ID card is endorsed for CCW. CHP officers and retirees can apply to carry off duty in other states and if they comply with certain requirements they are issued a certificate that grants them this authority per federal law that was encoded as a result of HR 218 being passed by Congress and signed by the President a few years ago.

[tphil9]

So a current CHP officer traveling out of the state would have to first apply to carry a concealed weapon? Isn't the officer already granted that right through HR 218?

By the way, I appreciate the quick response I got on this post, it was just a question that popped up in my head.

[Chippysgt]

I am more familiar with how the law applies to retirees but I believe it is pretty close to the same for both retirees and active duty folks. The difference is that the CHP retiree has to apply for a certificate and qualify on the range with a safe firearm that passes weapons officer inspection. An active duty person does not have to jump through this hoop because he is qualified by virtue of current job preformance including range qualification. So in answer to the question, I believe that being an offier in good standing, and having valid ID in possession allows carrying in other states now that HR 218 is codified.

[Mac]

...So in answer to the question, I believe that being an offier in good standing, and having valid ID in possession allows carrying in other states now that HR 218 is codified.
That's my understanding of it also.

[Flying Pig]

Active LE can carry off duty anywhere in the 50 states now...thanks to GW.