Qualified Law Enforcement Officers

To be eligible you must meet the following criteria:

• Be retired in good standing from a public agency as a law enforcement officer for a reason other than reasons of mental instability;
• Before retirement, were authorized by law to engage in or supervise the prevention, detention, investigation of, prosecution of or incarceration of any person for a violation of law and had statutory powers of arrest;
• Before retirement were regularly employed as a law enforcement officer for 15 year or more; or retired from the agency (after completing probation) for service connected disability;
• Has a non-forfeitable right to retirement benefits;
• During the most recent 12 month period, has met, at their own expense, the state standard for training and qualification (proficiency course form included in this document);
• Not under the influence of alcohol or other drug or substance;
• Is not prohibited by federal law from receiving a firearm.

Application Instructions

• Applicants will complete the proficiency course as outlined.
• Applicant will fill out the application waiver and release form.
• Applicants should go to the Law Enforcement Support Agency (LESA) with the completed application and release form, picture ID, such as a driver's license, and their retired ID Card. LESA will require a background request form to be completed, which includes fingerprinting and a $30.00 fee. The application will be left at LESA for processing. LESA will also make a copy of the picture ID and retired ID card and process the background check. LESA will then forward the application, fingerprints and appropriate checks to the Pierce County Sheriff's Department Forensics Supervisor.
• Once the applicant has received clearance, the forensics section will contact the applicant and deliver them the qualifying sticker for their retired ID card.
• Qualified officers will receive a sticker that says * H.R.218 *. This sticker is to be affixed to their retired commission card and will then qualify them for that year to be exempt from state laws prohibiting the carrying of concealed firearms.
• Applications and proof of qualification will be maintained at the forensic unit for as long as is required by law.