Retired Officer California CCW Certification

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Vernon Police Department retired officer identification card and approval to carry a concealed weapon in California:

A California CCW approval is specifically valid for the State of California and is not an authorization to carry a concealed weapon outside of California. Retired and former officers of the Vernon Police Department may qualify annually to meet the federal qualification standards for the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA), for an endorsement on their identification card to carry a firearm in any State.

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.

California Identification Card Issuance

Any full-time sworn officer of this department who was authorized to, and did, carry a concealed firearm during the course and scope of his/her employment shall be issued an identification card with a Carrying Concealed Weapon endorsement, "CCW Approved," upon honorable retirement (Penal Code § 25455).

a. For the purpose of this policy, honorably retired includes all peace officers who have qualified for, and accepted, a service or disability retirement. It shall not include any officer who retires in lieu of termination.

b. No CCW Approved endorsement shall be issued to any officer retiring because of a psychological disability (Penal Code § 26305).

In order to maintain a "CCW Approved" endorsement on an identification card issued by the Vernon Police Department, the retired officer is required to complete a firearms qualification every five years. The qualification process includes a qualification course of fire. The process is designed to ensure that the retiree can safely handle and shoot the firearm(s).

Maintaining A California Identification Card CCW Endorsement

In order to maintain a CCW Approved endorsement on an identification card issued under California law, the retired officer shall (Penal Code § 26305):

Qualify prior to renewal at a course approved by this department at the retired officer’s expense.
Remain subject to all applicable department policies and federal, state and local laws.
Not engage in conduct that compromises public safety.

Renewal Procedure

Retirees requesting renewal of a CCW endorsement must contact the Training Manager by phone at (323) 583-8811, ext. 123 or via email to professional@covpd.org to schedule an appointment for handgun qualification and obtain new identification card. The Vernon Police Department provides the qualification service at no charge to qualified retired officers of the Department.

Qualified retired Vernon Police Officers have several options for handgun qualifications:
Qualify at the Vernon Police Department utilizing the Vernon Police Department Retiree Handgun Qualification Form. A firearms instructor will complete the certification process and a new identification card will be issued.
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.
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.

Once proof of qualification is provided, the retiree will receive a new retiree identification card (either in person or via mail).