UPDATE RE: LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS SAFETY ACT OF 2004
July 26, 2004
We have received quite a few calls and/or e-mails with questions regarding the Client Alert Memo we published on 7/21/04 informing our clients of this new law. There are, primarily, three questions being asked:
(1) Did the President sign the law?
Yes, he did.
(2) Does it take effect immediately?
Yes, it does.
(3) Does it affect an officer’s authority to be armed while flying?
No, it does not.
The rules regarding law enforcement officers being armed on planes is not affected by this legislation, in any way whatsoever. This new law authorizes law enforcement officers to be armed in states other than their own, despite most local laws to the contrary. The law refers to concealed weapons being permitted after one is on the ground – not while in the air.