Offutt Implements LEOSA, Enhances Force Protection

  • Published
  • By Drew Nystrom
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, NEBRASKA --  Beginning today, qualified law enforcement officers, both active-duty and retired, are authorized to carry concealed privately-owned firearms on the installation in order to enhance existing force protection measures and potentially mitigate active-shooter or workplace violence events.

The implementation of this program is not in response to any specific threat, but is a proactive force protection measure authorized by the Law Enforcement Officer Safety Act of 2004 and guidance issued by Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter to implement security enhancements at Department of Defense facilities worldwide.

“Based upon guidance provided by Secretary Carter, the 55th Security Forces Squadron presented various courses of action and recommended the implementation of the LEOSA program which I approved,” Col. Marty Reynolds, 55th Wing Commander said. “Offutt is already a safe place and we will remain innovative and dedicated in our efforts to keep it a safe and secure place to live and work.”

Air Force Manual 31-125 Security Forces Implementation of the Law Enforcement Safety Act (LEOSA), issued April 22, 2014, provides overarching guidance of the program. LEOSA allows QLEOs to carry their own firearms in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. Territories. Congress enacted LEOSA following the 9/11 attacks after recognizing the need to place more trained law enforcement officers in the public.

“Implementing LEOSA is a positive enhancement for Offutt, but also one that has been vetted in a deliberate and thoughtful manner,” Lt. Col. Ian M. Dinesen, 55th SFS Commander said. “Security forces experts have been developing and refining the implementation plan for months to ensure we go about this in a calculated and purposeful way.”

Prior to participating in the program, LEOSA-credentialed individuals must sign an agreement letter stating their understanding of the rules governing the program, as well as the prohibited areas on the installation where carrying a POF is not authorized and register with the 55th SFS. In addition to obtaining valid LEOSA accreditation, individuals are required to maintain their weapons qualification annually.

Active, retired or separated security forces, security police and air police should visit www.leosaonline.com to check requirements and application procedures for their LEOSA credentials. All QLEOs from outside law enforcement agencies must receive their LEOSA credentials from their active or retired agency.

For information on registering with the 55th SFS for carrying under LEOSA, contact (402) 294-3118.