LEO allowable firearms question.

[HK_precop]

Hi, i'm a bit unfamiliar as to the firearms rights that Law enforcement officers have. I know you can off duty carry approved handguns etc.. but how about special licenses? For instance how hard is it to get a class 3 type license in CA if you are a LEO? Do you need some kind of departmental justification to do this. I know LAPD officers often have rifles in some of their regular patrol cars these days. In order to use one I assume you must be qualified and allowed to use assault rifles with a license as well. I know my questions seem newbie but I have no clue as to how firearms laws apply to LEOs in states with draconian regulations like California.

Thanks for any and all help.

[dmclark]

I can't speak specifically to CA law, but possession of a Title III weapon by a law enforcement officer formerly could be OKd by ATF via a letter on departmental stationary. I can't say if that is still the case.

However, most PDs would not authorize full auto TIII weapons for general patrol purposes. It's hard enough getting a shoulder weapon into the squad cars.

[DelC]

HK_precop,

What’s your motivation for even asking such a question???

[HK_precop]

DelC,
Mostly personal curiousity because of several present day California "assault ban" laws I was wondering how that effects LEOs. I didn't realize the question was offensive if that's what you meant by that.

[DelC]

I don't know about CA law, but below is the Fed Law. I imagine they are somewhat the same for LEO.

<center>U.S. Code Title 18, CHAPTER 44 - FIREARMS, Sec. 922. Unlawful acts</center>
. (V)
§ (1) It shall be unlawful for a person to manufacture, transfer, or possess a semiautomatic assault weapon.

§ (2) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to the possession or transfer of any semiautomatic assault weapon otherwise lawfully possessed under Federal law on the date of the enactment of this subsection.

§ (4) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to -

. (A) the manufacture for, transfer to, or possession by the United States or a department or agency of the United States or a State or a department, agency, or political subdivision of a State, or a transfer to or possession by a law enforcement officer employed by such an entity for purposes of law enforcement (whether on or off duty);

[Bravo8]

sssshhhhhhh...................

you never know when the BATF is listening................

you might be on a hit list now for asking this question..............:ahh!: