LEOSA

Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act of 2004 (LEOSA)

Mission Statement

This directive establishes policy and procedures for qualified law enforcement officers (LEOs) who are retiring or separating from the US Postal Service Office of Inspector General (OIG) to obtain an identification card for the purposes of the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act of 2004, as amended (LEOSA). LEOSA is a United States federal law, enacted in 2004, that allows two classes of persons-the "qualified law enforcement officer" and the "qualified retired law enforcement officer"-to carry a concealed firearm in any jurisdiction in the United States, or United States Territories, regardless of state or local laws, with certain exceptions.

If a person meets the criteria, "notwithstanding any provisions of the law of any state or any political subdivision thereof" he or she may carry a concealed firearm in that state or political subdivision. An individual who qualifies under LEOSA does not require a state-issued permit to carry a concealed firearm.

The OIG may issue LEOSA credentials to employees or former employees that:

  • Separate or retire from the agency as a law enforcement officer in good standing; and
  • Serve an aggregate of 10 years as a law enforcement officer at any agency; or separate due to a service-connected disability, as the agency determines, after completing any applicable probationary period; and
  • Are not prohibited by federal law from receiving a firearm; and
  • Are not unqualified for mental health reasons as determined by a qualified medical professional, or by agreement with the agency.

Click below for further information on OIGs LEOSA policy, application package and filing instructions.