LEOSA

 LEOSA Trainers, Inc. (LTI) was initially formed to provide Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA) training for retired and separated officers who reside in Minnesota. This is sometimes also referred to as HR 218, which was the Bill number in Congress before it became law.

 LTI’s training is certified by the Department of Public Safety.

 We have several good reasons for doing this.  

• There are training issues that LTI addresses that an LEO agency does not address (more on that in a minute).
• LTI has an established network of instructors all over the state available to accommodate a client’s need for training when you need it.
• LTI has a process to handle everything from the initial contact, application process, training and testing, shooting qualification and qualification card issuance.
• There are many LEOSA qualified individuals in Minnesota who are orphans. You may have worked for an agency in another state or a federal agency that does not provide you with an opportunity to do your annual shooting qualification. LTI can also assist you.

First some background. LEOSA is most similar to Constitutional carry. A person has the authority to carry, but there is no state  or Federally issued “permit”. Although there are some limitations and conditions, LEOSA creates an affirmative defense against criminal prosecution for alleged violations of state laws or local ordinances prohibiting the carrying of concealed weapons, specifically handguns. The limitations are that private property owners may prohibit the carrying of firearms on their property and states may restrict firearm possession in or on state or local government property, installations, buildings, bases, or parks. LEOSA also does not supersede federal laws prohibiting the carrying of firearms aboard aircraft, or on federal property or in federal buildings.

Although this sounds great on the surface, there are inherent problems particularly when traveling in urban areas where there are numerous grades 1-12 public schools. There is no exemption in 18 USC 922(q)(2), otherwise known as the Federal Gun Free School Zone Act for LEOSA qualified individuals to carry a loaded handgun within a 1,000 foot school zone. The only safe manner to carry a loaded handgun within 1,000 feet of a school is with a Minnesota permit to carry. When traveling in more populated urban areas, one is often within a prohibited school zone. With a Florida permit to carry, you can enter a school zone, park on school property with your handgun safely secured in your vehicle (or holstered on your person under your control as long as you remain in your vehicle).

The same risk applies when entering a State or Federal Park. Minnesota permit holders may carry in a State park, so we may also carry in a Federal Park but not a LEOSA qualified individual. 

LEOSA Trainers, Inc. offers Florida permit to carry training for our LEOSA clients. This enables you to combine the necessary training for both a Florida  and Minnesota permit to carry and the annual LEOSA shooting qualification at the same time.

It is probably obvious, but we strongly recommend obtaining a Minnesota permit to compliment LEOSA authority because having only LEOSA authority puts you at great risk when entering school zones, state and federal parks, or the state capital complex, which we can eliminate. Also, because the Minnesota permit is on a five year renewal cycle, should you not re-qualify annually in a timely manner, your permit insures you are still lawfully armed wherever your Minnesota permit is recognized. A Minnesota permit also eliminates the need to obtain an annual purchase permit.  

LTI can also handle the training needs for any of your family members or friends who desire a Minnesota or Florida permit to carry. LTI instructors may also provide the training needed for a Utah permit.

What makes our training and services unique:

• We now have an instructor in Florida and instructors all over Minnesota, and can accommodate training as people need it. Our training is not scheduled just two or three times a year at our convenience.
• Our clients also receive the book Florida or Minnesota Guide For Armed Citizens as a part of our training.
• We handle all the paperwork and recordkeeping, from the LEOSA application, administering a written knowledge test, the shooting qualification, issuing the qualification cards.
• We package both a new and renewal Florida and Minnesota permit to carry course with LEOSA qualification.
• We believe it is also very important to protect the lifelong assets accumulated by our clients, by helping them understand how they can be properly insured should they ever have a defensive gun use.
• Our carry training is also recognized by Florida and Utah, so our clients may also obtain a Florida or Utah permit if that makes sense.
• Many people have never been shown how to properly fit a handgun to their hand. A gun that does not fit correctly cannot be shot accurately.

For more information about LEOSA Trainers Inc., please contact us via email or call me at 651-785-7292.