LEAA is the nation's largest coalition of law enforcement personnel, crime victims, and citizens committed to reducing our nation's horrendous violent crime rate, as well as providing real protection for peace officers and their loved ones from vindictive criminal predators. 218 in terms both very personal and very real for countless officers, active and retired, across the nation. At that time I related my personal experiences from six shooting incidents spread over my law enforcement career and an incident where my being armed while on vacation outside of my jurisdiction with my family averted a situation that posed real mortal danger to not only my family but also friends in that community. I also explained to this subcommittee how a law enforcement officer retains his identity, his training, his experience, and his dedication to the welfare and safety of the community regardless of whether he is on the job in Washington, D.C. or heading home to Virginia or Maryland. Should they be forced to carry their firearm in a gym bag or locked in the trunk of a car instead of on their person where it is easily accessible if needed.
Felons fail to observe jurisdictional boundaries much less any other law of our nation.
218 levels out the playing field and provides the legal means for our brave men and women in blue, trained and experienced in controlling situations where lives are threatened by criminal violence, to exercise that training in the interest of saving lives. 218 that already exist in various forms throughout the states. All 50 states exempt their on-duty law enforcement officers from statutes governing the right to carry a concealed weapon. California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Vermont, and Wyoming recognize retired officers as qualified for concealed carry permits or rights. As you can tell from this list it's very confusing, and a state can change its policy at any time.