F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  

F.E. Warren Air Force Base has released the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act policy which describes the rules, regulations and limitations of qualified law enforcement officers carrying concealed weapons while on the installation.

In response to tragic events that have taken place on and off installations over the past few years, Air Force commanders can take additional measures to secure personnel and property on their installations through programs allowing service members to carry weapons.

Personnel with the proper LEOSA credentials, Wyoming Concealed Firearm Permits and reciprocating state concealed carry licenses are authorized to transport a privately owned weapon in their vehicle while on the installation. This authorization does not allow for the concealed carry or open carry of any weapon into any facility within the established legal boundary of F.E. Warren Air Force Base.

“We looked at active-shooter incidents across the country, and there are statistics that show where many [events] ended without police intervention because there was somebody there who had a concealed carry permit or somebody interdicted the active shooter,” said Maj. Keith Quick, Air Force Security Forces Integrated Defense action officer. “These programs allow commanders the ability to arm additional trained Airmen who could interdict before police arrive and are trained to stand down when police arrive.”

Below are answers to some frequently asked questions concerning LEOSA and information concerning the base’s policy.

Q) What is LEOSA?

LEOSA is a federal law that allows qualified law enforcement officers and qualified retired law enforcement officers to carry a concealed firearm in any jurisdiction in the United States, regardless of state or local laws, with certain exceptions. In accordance with the law, QLEOs and QRLEOs can carry concealed privately owned firearms (POF) for protection. LEOSA credentials do not grant the bearer any authority to act on the U.S. Air Force’s behalf or to exercise any law enforcement authority when off duty.

Q)What is the definition of a qualified law enforcement officer?

A QLEO is a security forces member – active duty, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve Command or Department of the Air Force – who is working in a QLEO position or is retired/separated security forces, ANG, AFRC or DAF. The individual must have 10 years of service in a Department of Defense QLEO position.

Q) How do I properly transport a POF on base?

LEOSA, WCFP and RCCL credentialed personnel are authorized to transport POFs in POVs in the loaded configuration while within the established legal boundary of F. E. Warren AFB. Individuals will secure handguns in an appropriate weapons case or vehicle compartment of their POV when left unattended and maintain positive control of their keys at all times.

• Personnel will not remove handguns from a POV at any time within the established legal boundary of F. E. Warren AFB.
  
• Exception: residents of privatized housing and 90th Security Forces Group Armory for storage purposes only.
  
• Personnel will not be allowed to store or secure a POF in an unattended vehicle for more than 18 hours within the established legal boundary of F. E. Warren AFB. POFs will be removed from a POV and secured at an authorized location for any period exceeding 18 hours.
• Credentialed personnel SHALL NOT transport a firearm while under the influence of alcohol (BrAC/BAC of .02 or greater) or another intoxicating or hallucinatory drug or substance.
  

Q) What are acceptable LEOSA credentials?

• AF Form 688D, USAF LEOSA 926B
  
• AF Form 688E, USAF LEOSA 926C
  
• Air Force Office of Special Investigations LEOSA Identification Card
  
• Other federal law enforcement officer credentials
  
• Note: For a LEOSA credential to be valid, it must be accompanied by proof of weapons qualification within the last 12 months
  
• For details on the proper documentation you are required to have on hand based on your LEOSA designation, please refer to the base LEOSA policy here
  

Q) How do I properly store my POF on base?

• You can store your POF at the 90th SFG Armory. LEOSA, WCFP and RCCL credentialed individuals residing in or visiting F. E. Warren AFB dormitories, lodging, temporary living facilities or D. A. Russell Family Campground will not be allowed to store or secure a handgun or weapon of any type inside a dormitory room, lodging room, TLF Facility, camper or vehicle at any time. The 90th SFG Armory will remain the mandated storage repository for these weapons.
  
• Credentialed personnel residing in privatized housing may store firearms in their residences or 90 SFS Armory
• Personnel storing POFs in on-base housing (government or privatized quarters) will be required to register weapons with the 90 SFS Reports and Analysis section no later than ten (10) duty days from the date of acquisition or moving into base housing,

 Q) How do I properly store my POF if I live in the base dorms?

• Individuals residing in any dormitory located within the legal boundaries on F. E. Warren AFB are not authorized to store any POFs in their vehicle for any length of time. Additionally, if POF is being transported, the POV is not authorized to be in the vicinity of any dormitory parking areas.

• All POFs owned by dormitory residents must be registered, secured, and stored in the 90th SFG Armory prior to parking in the vicinity of any dormitory on the installation.
  

Q) What if I have a firearm on base and get stopped at the gate or for a traffic violation?

• Credentialed personnel must immediately inform law enforcement or command officials that there is a firearm in the vehicle or on their person.
• Individuals are required to maintain their LEOSA credentials, WCPF or RCCL on their person at all times within the legal boundary of F. E. Warren AFB and must surrender it along with valid DoD identification card by security forces, OSI or local law enforcement officials.
  
• Individuals must be able to produce their LEOSA credentials and proof of training.
  
• Personnel may be apprehended or detained for failure to inform law enforcement or command officials that they are carrying or transporting a concealed weapon.
  
• Personnel may have their privately owned weapon temporarily confiscated until they can produce proper credentials.
  
• Personnel may have their authorization to transport POFs in POVs while on the installation suspended or revoked.
  

Q) What if I violate a base policy concerning LEOSA?

• Individuals who violate any of the procedures may lose their privilege to transport concealed POFs on the installation.
  

• Suspension periods are as follows:
  

• First offense: 30-day suspension of concealed transport authorization
  

• Second offense: six-month suspension of concealed transport authorization
  

• Third offense: permanent revocation of concealed transport authorization
  

Q) How can I apply for a LEOSA credential?

To begin your application process, you must create an online account using the following site http://www.leosaonline.com/.  

Q) Can I transport any type of firearm I want?

No, once you are issued your LEOSA credential you may only carry a handgun (as defined in th Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Publication and Federal Firearms Regulations Reference Guide.

Q) Do I need to have concealed carry or self-defense insurance?

While not a requirement, it is highly recommended in the event you become involved in an off duty incident. The Air Force is not liable and will not provide you with legal defense should you be involved in an off duty incident.

Q) Do I need any safety or firearm training to fulfill LEOSA requirements?

Must meet the definition of qualified police or law enforcement officer requirements defined in DoDI 5525.12, Enclosure 3, in order to be issued a credential under LEOSA.

Q) Is there an Air Force instruction that I can read to find out more about LEOSA? 

Yes, additional information can be found in AFMAN 31-125, Security Forces implementation of LEOSA.

To find additional answers to frequently asked questions concerning LEOSA visit http://www.afsf.lackland.af.mil/LEOSA-FAQs.html.

For more information on the base's LEOSA and state concealed carry permit policy, please contact the 90th Security Forces Squadron installation security section at (307) 773-3957 or (307) 773-3501.