Qualifications

There are certain qualifications a person must possess to be a qualified law enforcement officer under the act. Some include being an employee of a governmental law agency, the authority to arrest an individual and possessing the legal authority to carry a firearm.

Purpose

According to the Law Enforcement Action Forum, the reason this act was made into law is for the protection of law enforcement officers as they travel across jurisdictions and for them to be able to act effectively in a situation where they have to defend the public from crime and terrorism if necessary.

Restrictions

Qualified law enforcement officers have some restrictions under this act. They have to verify and comply with federal and military restrictions if applicable, and they also have to be aware of any restrictions imposed by state, local and private property owners.

2009 Improvements

Democratic Senator Patrick Leahy introduced legislation in 2009 to improve the 2004 LEOSA Act. Some of the improvements include more flexible firearm requirements for retirees, a reduction from 15 to 10 years of service from former law personnel for qualification purposes, and amendments to add mental health standards for LEOSA certification.

Agencies

Agencies such as the FBI, DEA and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms are eligible to carry firearms off-duty across jurisdictions as a result of this act. This not only applies to current agents and officers but retired ones as well.

Source:

Law Enforcement Alliance of America

Law Enforcement Safety Act Summary

Connecticut Department of Public Safety