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LEOSA

U.S. Navy Security Forces CredentialNavy Installations Command now has a LEOSA credentialing program in place. Those interested must complete and print JNAVMAR 5580/1 application (see below) and go to www.leosanavy.com to complete the application process.

  • LEOSA is a U.S federal law enacted in 2004 that allows qualified law enforcement officers and qualified retired or separated law enforcement officers to carry a concealed firearm in any jurisdiction in the U.S. or U.S. territories, regardless of state or local laws, with certain exceptions.

  • Navy Installations Command has been diligently working to ensure the Navy has an effective LEOSA credentialing program that is 100 percent compliant with all federal guidelines that govern the collection of personal information for credentialing.

  • Defense Consulting Services, LLC has been contracted to provide those interested in obtaining LEOSA credentials with an online application process as well as to submit completed applications to the appropriate government agency.

  • All active duty Master-at-Arms, 649X, 749X, and currently serving 0083 police officers and 1810/1811 investigators must have their installation commanding officer (CO) or first O-6/GS-15 within an applicant's chain of command endorsement prior to applying.  The purpose of the CO endorsement is to show the applicant meets all LEOSA qualifications outlined in SECNAVINST 5580.3 dated 19 Jan 17, Department of the Navy Law Enforcement Safety Act Program, and NAVADMIN 045/22 which was released on 22 Feb 22.  This endorsement does not approve their credential, as this is the responsibility of the CNIC LEOSA Program Manager.  Installation COs may delegate endorsing authority to their respective security officers.  A sample endorsement memo has been provided below.  This memo can be changed to meet approving official requirements.  Do not use the endorsement letter attached to the JNAVMAR 5580/1 Application.

  • Anyone who seeks to participate in the Navy’s LEOSA program must first go through the application process at www.leosanavy.com.

  • It is the responsibility of the LEOSA-issued credential holder to find out what the Navy installation’s proper procedures are to carry a concealed firearm, and follow state laws, federal laws, and established rules and procedures on the restrictions or carry of firearms on Navy installations. 

  • Below is a LEOSA application checklist and a sample FBI background check for your convenience.

Program POC:
Mr. Jeffrey Poledore
Phone: 202.433.7719
EML: leosafct@us.navy.mil

Additional Information:  

Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act Credential Endorsement Example
Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA) Credential Application - JNAVMAR 5580/1
LEOSA Application Brief
Sample FBI Background Check

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: What is the background of the LEOSA program?

A: The Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA) became federal law on July 22, 2004.  Originally introduced as House Resolution 218 (H.R. 218) and codified within the provisions of The Gun Control Act of 1968 as Chapter 44, Title 18 of the United States Code, §§ 926B and 926C, LEOSA defines two classes of law enforcement officers -- currently serving and retired/separated officers.
 

The National Defense Authorization Act of 2013 expanded the LEOSA coverage to include individuals who are, or were, authorized to apprehend under Article 7b of the Uniform Code of Military Justice.  Under the provisions of the LEOSA, qualified active, retired, and separated law enforcement officers may carry a concealed firearm that has been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce.
 

United States Code Chapter 44, Title 18, Section 926 C allows qualified active and retired law enforcement officers (military and civilian) to carry concealed firearms, but the law is not intended to “supersede or limit the laws of any State that — (1) permit private persons or entities to prohibit or restrict the possession of concealed firearms on their property; or (2) prohibit or restrict the possession of firearms on any State or local government property, installation, building, base, or park.”

United States Code Chapter 44, Title 18, Section 930 states that possession of firearms and dangerous weapons in federal facilities (i.e. military installations) is prohibited although the law does not apply to the lawful performance of official duties by “an officer, agent, or employee of the United States, a State, or a political subdivision thereof, who is authorized by law” … to possess a firearm.
 

Installation Commanding Officers (or 0-6/GS-15 in the chain of command) are responsible for endorsing law enforcement officers (LEO) applications and for determining whether or not to allow firearms to be in possession on their installations or activities.  

Q:  Who can participate in the LEOSA program?
A:  Active duty Limited Duty Officers (649X), Chief Warrant Officers (749X), rated Master-at-Arms, civilian employee in GS series 0083 and 1810, and 1811 performing regular duties as Law Enforcement and Investigators who are authorized to carry a firearm in performance of duties.

B. Retired, separated personnel who has performed duties as Limited Duty Officers (649X), Chief Warrant Officers (749X), rated Master-at-Arms, civilian employee in GS series 0083, 1810 and 1811 with a minimum of 10 years of law enforcement experience. 

Q: As a qualified LEOSA person and in possession of LEOSA identification, am I allowed to carry a concealed weapon onto a Navy installation?
A:  No.  Carrying a firearm or other weapon onto a Navy installation is against the law.  In order to carry a firearm on Navy installations, you must obtain the commanding officer’s permission in writing whether LEOSA qualified or with a state issued concealed firearms permit.  It is the responsibility of the LEOSA-issued credential holder to find out what the Navy installation’s proper procedures are to carry a concealed firearm, and follow state laws, federal laws, and established rules and procedures on the restrictions or carry of firearms on Navy installations. 

Q:  What are the requirements and what do I need to do to get a LEOSA permit?
A:  Please visit the following website:  www.leosanavy.com 

Q:  What is the Defense Consulting Services?
A:  Defense Consulting Services, LLC has been contracted to provide those interested in obtaining LEOSA credentials with an online application process. Anyone who seeks to participate in the Navy’s LEOSA program must first go through the application process at www.leosanavy.com

Q:  What happens after an application has been submitted?
A:  Completed applications will be submitted to the appropriate government agency for review. Applicants will be notified of their status. Those who meet established qualifications will be provided LEOSA credentials. 

Q:  Are LEOSA permitted individuals allowed to perform law enforcement activities while on an installation?
A:  No. 

Q:  How many applications does the Navy expect to receive?
A:  We expect to receive approximately 1,000 applicants in the first year. 

Q:  How many people qualify for the program?
A:  We estimate that approximately 1,000 federal civilians and active duty service members within the shore enterprise may qualify for the Navy’s LEOSA program. 

Q.  Does the LEOSA credential apply to all states?
A.  Yes, notwithstanding any other provision of the law of any state or any political subdivision. According to Chapter 44 of Title 18 “The term ‘State’ includes the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, Virgin Islands and the possessions of the United States (not including the Canal Zone).”

Q.  Does the LEOSA credential allow me to carry the firearm on an airplane?
A.  No, all federal and state laws still apply. 

Q.  How long is the credential valid for?
A.  The 926B is valid for 5 years and the 926C is indefinite. 

 

 

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