As an association we strive to keep you informed on relevant information for your business. Please review the information below the we originally sent out in December 2017. This information is still applicable and, if you employ armed officers, very important.
Department of Justice Issues Bulletin to CA Law Enforcement Agencies
After much hard work on the part of the association, CALSAGA is very pleased to report that the Department of Justice has issued a bulletin to California law enforcement agencies concerning AB 2220.
AB 2220 allows a Private Patrol Operator to be a registered owner of a firearm. Additionally, this bill allows a security officer to be assigned a firearm by the PPO and for a firearm custodian to be designated by the PPO. Previous practices and statutes authorized the purchase, registration, and ownership of firearms by an individual, but not by a business entity. AB 2220 authorized business ownership and registration of firearms in the case of PPOs who are actively providing armed private contract security services. A PPO may assign firearms it owns to employees who are licensed to carry firearms by the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services.
As a result of AB 2220, a problem presented itself because the current Dealer Record of Sale (DROS) Entry System (DES) is not capable of recognizing a business as a firearm purchaser or owner. The Department of Justice intends to modify the DES and Automated Firearm System (AFS) to allow a PPO to be listed as the purchaser and registered owner of a firearm. Additionally, the DOJ intends to create a process for PPOs to submit a Certificate of Assignment to identify the employee of the PPO in AFS who has been assigned a firearm owned by the PPO. These changes are anticipated to be completed by July 1, 2019.
Those intentions were stated in the bulletin to law enforcement agencies. Furthermore, the bulletin cautioned that law enforcement personnel may continue to encounter armed security officers who have the requisite permits and qualifications to carry a firearm in the course of their duties, but who are not actually the registered owners of the firearm. Law enforcement agencies are advised that an assignment of a firearm to an eligible and licensed security officer by a PPO is not a violation of Penal Code 27545.
A link to the bulletin is included below. If your company employs armed officers, we recommend that they carry a hard copy of the bulletin on their person while on duty.
The dissemination of this bulletin is a victory in a hard-fought battle and we are sure will provide reassurance to members who employ armed officers. CALSAGA appreciates the opportunity to continue representing you and the needs of your business. Thank you for your continued membership and support.