A Vernon Police Department retired or former officer identification may have either a California CCW endorsement or a LEOSA certification, or both on the same card.

The Chief of Police may issue an identification card for LEOSA purposes to any qualified retired or former officer of this department who (18 USC § 926C(c)):

1. Separated from service in good standing from this department as an officer.
2. Before such separation, had regular employment as a law enforcement officer for an aggregate of 10 years or more or, if employed as a law enforcement officer for less than 10 years, separated from service after completing any applicable probationary period due to a service-connected disability as determined by this department.
3. Has not been disqualified for reasons related to mental health.
4. Has not entered into an agreement with this department where the officer acknowledges that he/she is not qualified to receive a firearm qualification certificate for reasons related to mental health.
5. Is not prohibited by federal law from receiving or possessing a firearm.

Any qualified former law enforcement officer, including a former officer of this department, may carry a concealed firearm under 18 USC § 926C when he/she is:

1. In possession of photographic identification that identifies him/her as having been employed as a law enforcement officer, and one of the following:
   1. An indication from the person’s former law enforcement agency that he/she has, within the past year, been tested or otherwise found by the law enforcement agency to meet agency-established active duty standards for qualification in firearms training to carry a firearm of the same type as the concealed firearm.
   2. A certification, issued by either the state in which the person resides or by a certified firearms instructor who is qualified to conduct a firearms qualification test for active duty law enforcement officers within that state, indicating that the person has, within the past year, been tested or otherwise found to meet the standards established by the state or, if not applicable, the standards of any agency in that state.
2. Not under the influence of alcohol or another intoxicating or hallucinatory drug or substance.
3. Not prohibited by federal law from receiving a firearm.
4. Not in a location prohibited by California law or by a private person or entity on his/her property if such prohibition is permitted by California law.

A former officer with a card issued under this policy shall immediately notify the Watch Commander of his/her arrest or conviction in any jurisdiction, or that he/she is the subject of a court order, in accordance with the Reporting of Employee Convictions policy.

In order to obtain or retain a LEOSA identification card, the former officer shall:

1. Remain subject to all applicable department policies and federal, state and local laws.
2. Demonstrate good judgment and character commensurate with carrying a loaded and concealed firearm.

Former qualified officers requesting annual qualification at the Vernon Police Department must contact the Training Manager by phone at (323) 583-8811, ext. 123 or via email to professional@covpd.org, to schedule an appointment. The Vernon Police Department provides the qualification service at no charge to qualified former officers of the Department.

Qualified former officers have several options for handgun qualifications:

1. Qualify at the Vernon Police Department utilizing the Vernon Police Department Retiree Handgun Qualification Form. A firearms instructor will complete the certification process.
2. Qualify at an approved range facility utilizing the Vernon Police Department Retiree Handgun Qualification Form. An approved firearms instructor is required to complete the form and sign the form. Forward the results to the Vernon Professional Standards Division.
3. Qualify at a law enforcement agency utilizing the Vernon Police Department Retiree Handgun Qualification Form. An approved firearms instructor is required to complete the form and sign the form. Forward the results to the Vernon Professional Standards Division.

An additional option that retired and former officers have to show that they have met the federal standards (annual qualification) is to have qualification certification along with their identification card. Qualification certification may be issued by either the state in which the person resides or by a certified firearms instructor who is qualified to conduct a firearms qualification test for active duty law enforcement officers within that state, indicating that the person has, within the past year, been tested or otherwise found to meet the standards established by the state or, if not applicable, the standards of any agency in that state.