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[Swingshiftworker]

FJDave previously said:

But being a retired peace officer gives you the OK to be CCW with your ID anywhere in the US (HR 218)....right?

Yes, but they issued me 2 different CCWs, which is really just a different form of SFSD ID. The first was the regular Sheriff's ID with the retired and CCW designation which is good in CA for 5 years. The second was the LEOSA CCW, which is good in all 50 states, but only for 1 year, because the act requires requalification every year.

Even though you have a LEOSA CCW, you still have to abide by the laws of the jurisdiction that you're in and that could cause some problems. For example, guns are not permitted in National Parks, so even though I can carry a gun into Utah, I can't legally bring that gun into Bryce, Zion, Arches or Canyonlands. Certain jurisdictions have no provisions regarding concealed carry (WI, IL & DC, I believe). Federal law should prevail in those jurisdictions, but you'd probably have to argue the point. There are also certain "gun free" zones (like schools) where you may not carry concealed or otherwise. You also cannot carry firearms on an airplane (there are active duty exceptions) and have to abide by TSA and airline rules. So, CCW or not, you need to be aware of the applicable laws anywhere you carry your weapon concealed.

In the exteme, I maintain the belief that it is better to be "judged by 12 than carried by 6," but that doesn't mean you won't get yourself into a whole pile of "sh*t" if you get caught violating a federal or state gun law. In that situation, your CCW will be revoked and you may be liable for criminal (and possibly civil) penalties. Not a good thing. So, make sure you know the law before you carry concealed anywhere.