4-302 - Flying While Armed

Policy

1. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has instituted procedures for sworn personnel who have an official MPD business need to fly while carrying their firearm (flying while armed). Employees shall follow all TSA, airline and Departmental policies while traveling on official MPD business.
2. While in transit at airports and onboard aircraft, sworn employees are required to carry with them the following:

1. A TSA code (Form MP-9054).

• Two of these forms are needed, one each for the departure and return trips. Sworn employees should complete the forms and submit them to the Records Information Unit (RIU). RIU staff will process the information via the National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (NLETS) and return the LEO codes to the employee via email. Incomplete forms will be returned to the employee for additional information.
• MECC may assist sworn employees to obtain LEO codes in an emergency situation when travel codes are needed and the Records Information Unit is closed.

2. Two forms of photo identification, one of which shall be MPD photo identification.

3. A Letter of Authorization from the Chief of Police (Form MP-9053) is no longer required by the TSA, but is suggested by the MPD.

1. Sworn employees should draft a Letter of Authorization to be signed by the Chief, and e-mail the word.doc to the Chief’s secretary for his/her review and approval. If approved, the signed letter will be returned to the employee via inter-office mail.
2. In situations requiring an immediate need to fly, the VCI/SCI Commander or Homicide Unit Lieutenant may sign the Letter of Authorization for their commands.
3. Employees are encouraged to begin the process of obtaining the Letter of Authorization and LEO codes as soon as airline reservations have been made.

4. From the TSA: “Unless coordinated with US State Department or for the purposes of an extradition with the US Marshals Service, LEOs are not permitted to fly armed internationally.”
5. Sworn employees must have completed the Flying While Armed class prior to carrying their firearm on the plane. Contact the Training Unit for further information regarding this requirement.
6. Sworn employees flying on official MPD business may check their firearms in their luggage. TSA and NLETS codes are not required for checked luggage.
7. Sworn employees who are not on official MPD business as well as civilian employees will not be authorized to fly while armed. These employees shall follow the TSA and airline regulations on checking firearms for personal use.

• Confidential Informant:

  A person who cooperates with a law enforcement agency confidentially in order to protect the person or the MPD’s intelligence gathering or investigative efforts, and:

  1. Seeks to:
     1. Avoid arrest or prosecution for a crime; or
     2. Mitigate punishment for a crime in which a sentence will be or has been imposed; or
     3. Receive a monetary or other benefit;
  2. Is able, by reason of the person’s familiarity or close association with suspected criminals, to:
     1. Make a controlled buy or controlled sale of contraband, controlled substance, or other items that are material to a criminal investigation;
     2. Supply regular or constant information about suspected or actual criminal activities to a law enforcement agency;
     3. Otherwise provide information important to ongoing criminal intelligence gathering or criminal investigative efforts.
• Firearms/Ammunition/Firearm Accessories: A device that projects either single or multiple projectiles at high velocity. Ammunition is a term meaning the assembly of a projectile and its propellant. Accessories include but are not limited to holsters, gun cases, firearm optics, suppression devices, cleaning supplies, etc.
• MECC: Minneapolis Emergency Communications Center is the city's 911 center that answers emergency and non-emergency calls and coordinates the appropriate response by public safety services.