Tennessee Correctional Officers Allowed Issuance Of I.D. Carry Cards
Tennessee has established a law that allows correctional officers who work for the state of Tennessee, and who are vested with the Tennessee State Plan, to be issued carry I.D. cards allowing them to carry weapons off-duty. These cards allow the correctional officers to carry any type of firearm in their off-duty hours within the state of Tennessee. These cards address the state of Tennessee only. Travel outside Tennessee requires the correctional officer to comply with the laws and regulations of the state they are in.
Here is the link for the I.D. cards issued to date:
http://www.state.tn.us/sos/officer/web_report.pdf
If you are a correctional officer who is employed and vested with the state of Tennessee, and are interested in learning more about this law, contact the warden at the prison you work, or the secretary of state at:
615-741-2819
It is strongly suggested that if you desire to carry some type of firearm other than what you have been qualified on as a correctional officer, you receive training and certification on the weapon[s] you elect to carry off-duty. This might help if the weapon was used in a self-defense scenario. Remember that the rules of engagement will be different on the streets versus inside a prison.
How does this I.D. card differ from the handgun permit law in Tennessee?
The handgun permit law allows a person to carry handgun[s] only. The I.D. card issued by the Secretary of State allows the correctional officer to carry any type of firearm.
The Tennessee Handgun Permit allows carry in other states. The correctional officer I.D. card issued by the Secretary of State only addresses the state of Tennessee.
The Tennessee Handgun Permit requires certain mandatory training be done before a permit is issued. The I.D. card program does not require any training.
Be cautious of carry onto a prison location. Check with the warden to see what the rules are at each prison you work or visit. Question how firearms may be stored by employees.
Cost for a Tennessee Handgun Permit is a minimum of $ 115 to the state of Tennessee. Cost for the correctional officer carry I.D. program is $ 10 for the card.
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05/12/2003