5.210-Law Enforcement Flying Armed

Effective Date: 02/01/2016

5.210-POL

1. Officers Follow Department Policy While Flying Armed

Officers will limit taking police action to responding to life safety emergencies or when requested by the flight crew or air marshals.

Officers will not consume alcohol within 8 hours prior to the flight and will not be impaired by any substance while flying armed.

2. The Department Follows Transportation Security Administration Guidelines

Officers will only be able to fly armed if they are conducting official Departmental business and are in compliance with TSA guidelines:

- https://www.tsa.gov/about-tsa/law-enforcement-officers-flying-armed

3. Officers Complete Required Training to Fly Armed

Officers must successfully complete the required “Law Enforcement Officers Flying Armed” course through the Advanced Training Unit.

Officers flying armed will follow all restrictions and requirements presented in the training course.

4. Authorization to Fly Armed is Requested on the Approval Request to Fly Armed (form 18.3)

See 5.210-PRO-1 Law Enforcement Officers Requesting to Fly Armed

5. Officers Carry an Authorized Duty Handgun and Department Identification While Flying Armed

Officers are required to carry the handgun they are currently qualified on while flying.

Officers will carry the handgun concealed.

Officers will carry their Department badge and/or identification on their person.

5.210-PRO-1 Law Enforcement Officers Requesting to Fly Armed

Officer

1. Completes the Approval Request to Fly Armed (form 18.3) for the departing and return flights.

2. Submits the completed form and proof that they have successfully completed the required training to their chain of command to their Precinct/Section captain.

Captain

3. Reviews the form and proof of training.  Based on the criteria stated on the form approves/disapproves the request to fly armed.

4. Returns the form to the officer through the chain of command.

Officer

5. Takes the completed approved form to the Chief’s Office for the Chief’s signature.

6. Takes the signed form to the Data Center.

Data Center

7. Submits a National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (NLETS) message to TSA

- TSA provides the Data Center with an NLETS unique alphanumeric code. 

8. Forwards the TSA NLETS unique alphanumeric code and original signed request to the officer.

Officer

9. Notifies the airline check-in counter that they are a law enforcement officer flying armed, presents credentials, and completes airline paperwork

10. Responds to TSA checkpoint (usually at exit gate) and provides TSA with airline paperwork, TSA code, credentials, and boarding pass.

11. Notifies airline at each boarding gate that they are flying armed and presents airline paperwork and follows airline procedures.