Flying Armed

Question 0

What are types of duties that will substantiate a need to fly armed?

Answer 0

• Protective escort
• Hazardous surveillance operations
• Prisoner escort
• Required by agency
• FAM
• LEO relocating and prepared for duty
• Federal Flight Deck Officer

Question 1

What are the prerequisites for LEOs to fly armed?

Answer 1

• Fed/State/Local LEO
• Authorized by agency to carry
• Completed TSA training
• Valid need to fly armed

Question 2

What are the pre-flight check-in procedures?

Answer 2

1. Physical check-in at the ticket counter
2. Check-in at least 1 hour prior to boarding
3. Complete carrier’s authorization form, provide copies to gate agent/flight attendant, and find out others armed on board

Question 3

What are the proper characteristics of credentials for proper identification?

Answer 3

• Clear, full faced image of LEO
• Signature
• Agency seal
• Another clear, full faced government issued ID

Question 4

What are the procedures for escorting prisoners?

Answer 4

1. Air carriers have different policies regarding restraint level
2. At minimum, prisoners must have full restraint of hands
3. Notify air carrier one day prior to flight
4. LEO must have “direct control”
5. Escort nor prisoner will have alcohol
6. Request plastic utensils
7. Escort and prisoner remains seated till all others leave
8. LEO determines and notifies airline if high-risk prisoner
9. LEO is responsible for security of prisoner

Question 5

What is the policy on transporting chemical agents used by LEOs?

Answer 5

It is prohibited

Question 6

What are the procedures for firearms in checked baggage?

Answer 6

• NEVER Loaded
• Claim at check-in there is an unloaded firearm
• Travel in a locked hard-sided container with key or combo with LEO
• If “firearm” tag used, its INSIDE container

Question 7

What is the “special consideration screening” used for?

Answer 7

A request by federal, state, or local LEO who are traveling with sensitive or classified material (evidence, firearms, Grand Jury material). Notify 24 hours in advance and a special screening in Fed Security Director (FSD) presence.

Question 8

Action if LEO denied to fly armed?

Answer 8

1. Notify and involve Ground Security Coordinator
2. Inform agency supervisor
3. Should it not be resolved, submit memo of details to head of your agency
4. Notify FSD if problem is at airport screening area

Question 9

Who is the best “point person” for an armed LEO to communicate with?

Answer 9

Ground Security Coordinator (GSC)

Question 10

What is the proper response by a LEO to a hijacking?

Answer 10

1. Take no action if FAM is onboard unless requested
2. If no FAM, take necessary action to prevent loss of life or serious bodily injury
3. If hijackers still in control on ground, make no acknowledgement if you hear noises outside
4. In the attempt of rescue, stay down and out of cross fire

Question 11

What are the requirements of a LEO for professional demeanor?

Answer 11

• No alcohol
• Be aware of other LEOs
• Be discreet
• Absolute control over firearm
• If firearm in carryon, don’t leave unattended or in overhead
• Do not release your weapon to crew member for any reason