Pistols And Police: Carrying Firearms In Connecticut

In the state of Connecticut, there are various laws and regulations regarding the carrying of firearms, including pistols. While the Connecticut Constitution gives citizens the right to bear arms, there are specific requirements and limitations in place. For instance, individuals must obtain a permit to carry a handgun, which can be obtained through a two-step process involving local authorities and the state Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP). This permit is valid for five years and requires applicants to complete a handgun safety course and undergo a background check. Law enforcement officers are generally exempt from the requirement to obtain a permit and can carry concealed firearms under the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA). However, Connecticut has a statute prohibiting the open carry of firearms in plain view, and there are specific places where carrying a firearm is prohibited, such as school grounds. Understanding these laws is crucial to ensure legal compliance when carrying a firearm in Connecticut.

Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA)

The Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA) was enacted in 2004 and amended in 2010 and 2013. It allows qualified active, retired, or separated law enforcement officers to carry a concealed firearm in any jurisdiction in the United States or US territories, regardless of state or local laws. This means that individuals who qualify under LEOSA do not require a state-issued permit to carry a concealed firearm, even in their home state.

LEOSA defines a "qualified law enforcement officer" as a current governmental agency law enforcement officer who is authorized to carry a firearm and is not under disciplinary action. They must meet agency standards for regularly qualifying in the use of a firearm and must not be under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. A "qualified retired law enforcement officer" is defined as an officer who retired in good standing from public agency service, having served as a law enforcement officer for at least 15 years (reduced to 10 years in the 2010 amendment), with a non-forfeitable right to agency retirement benefits, and having met the state's standards for training and qualification for active officers in the most recent 12-month period. Retired officers must also not be under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.

LEOSA has been a source of excitement and frustration, with lawsuits filed against states such as New Jersey for not honoring the carry rights of retired federal law enforcement officers. In 2021, President Trump expanded LEOSA coverage to include judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement officers, and removed obstacles for federal officers to qualify for concealed carry.

While LEOSA provides broad privileges, there are areas that are off-limits and must be understood to avoid unknowingly violating the law. Additionally, each state has its own gun laws and permit requirements. For example, Connecticut is a "may-issue" state, where local law enforcement has discretion in issuing permits based on a suitability clause. Connecticut requires individuals to complete a handgun safety course and undergo a background investigation, criminal history check, and fingerprinting before obtaining a permit. The state also regulates handgun sales by licensed gun dealers and private sellers.

Connecticut Pistol Permit (CTPP)

The Connecticut Constitution gives every citizen the right to bear arms in self-defence. The state law designates four types of firearms: handguns (pistols and revolvers), long guns (rifles and shotguns), assault weapons, and machine guns. The degree of regulation depends on the type of firearm.

Connecticut is a "may-issue" state, meaning local law enforcement has the discretion to determine whether or not to issue a permit to carry a handgun to an applicant based on a "suitability clause". The suitability clause applies to both the issuance of new permits and the revocation of existing permits. The minimum age to obtain a CTPP is 21.

To obtain a CTPP, there is a two-step process. First, an applicant must apply for a temporary permit from the local authorities, and then they must submit another application at the state level through the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP). The application paperwork may be obtained from a local police department, city or town hall, or the first selectman's office in the case of a local permit, or from permitting offices for a state pistol permit. The cost of obtaining a pistol permit is $70, and the permit is valid for five years.

In addition to the application form, applicants must provide proof that they are legally and lawfully in the United States, such as a birth certificate or U.S. passport. Legal alien residents must provide alien registration numbers and proof of residency, and naturalized citizens require proof of citizenship. Applicants must also complete a handgun safety course approved by the Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection, which must include live-fire exercises with a semi-automatic pistol or revolver. No alternatives to live fire are accepted.

The issuing authority has 8 or 90 days to review the application and approve or deny it. If the application is denied, the authority must provide a written explanation for the denial. Applicants can appeal the denial to the Board of Firearm Permit Examiners.

Connecticut's 'may-issue' status

Connecticut is a may-issue state, meaning that local law enforcement has the discretion to determine whether or not to issue a permit to carry a handgun to an applicant. This determination is made based on a "suitability clause", which applies to both the issuance of new permits and the revocation of existing ones. The suitability clause is further supported by a licensing statute that outlines specific requirements for applicants, such as proof of legal presence in the United States and a criminal background check.

The process to obtain a permit in Connecticut involves two steps. Firstly, an applicant must apply for a temporary permit from the local authorities. Subsequently, they must submit another application at the state level through the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP). The cost of obtaining a pistol permit is $70.00, and it is valid for a period of five years.

To obtain a permit, applicants must complete a handgun safety course approved by the Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection. This course must include live fire training with a semi-automatic pistol or revolver. Additionally, applicants are required to submit to a background investigation, criminal history check, and provide fingerprints and photographs. The issuing authority has 8 to 90 days to review and approve or deny the application.

Connecticut offers both resident and non-resident permits, with specific requirements and limitations outlined by the state. The state also has a Board of Firearm Permit Examiners (BFPE) that reviews appeals from individuals who have been denied permits or have had their permits revoked. This board is composed of seven members appointed by the governor, and appeals can be filed within 90 days of the refusal or revocation of a permit.

Connecticut's concealed carry laws

Connecticut is a "may-issue" state, meaning local law enforcement has the discretion to determine whether or not to issue a permit to carry a handgun to an applicant based on a "suitability clause". The suitability clause applies to both the issuance of new permits and the revocation of existing ones. The process of obtaining a permit involves two steps. First, an applicant must apply for a temporary permit from local authorities, and then they must submit another application at the state level through the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP).

To purchase a handgun, an individual must have a Connecticut Pistol Permit (CTPP) or obtain a Certificate of Eligibility for Pistol and Revolvers or Long Guns or Ammunition. A background check is required to buy a handgun from a private individual, and private party firearms transfers must be performed by a federally licensed dealer.

Connecticut requires individuals who wish to carry a concealed handgun in public to obtain a permit. However, effective October 1, 2023, no permit is needed to carry a handgun within one's home, on owned or leased land, or within one's place of business.

To obtain a permit, an individual must meet several requirements. These include being a bona fide resident or having a place of business within the jurisdiction of application, intending to make lawful use of the handgun, and successfully completing a course approved by the Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection in the safety and use of handguns. Additionally, the applicant must not have been convicted of a felony or specific types of assault, and they must not be a fugitive from justice.

The cost of obtaining a pistol permit in Connecticut is $70.00, and the permit is valid for a period of five years. Renewal permits are also valid for five years each, and no additional safety training is required for renewals. The application paperwork can be obtained from local authorities, such as the police department, city or town hall, or the first selectman's office.

Connecticut law defines "pistol" and "revolver" as any firearm with a barrel less than 12 inches long. The law regulates handgun sales by licensed gun dealers and private sellers, regardless of the transaction location. Federal law requires anyone selling firearms to possess a federal firearms license.

Connecticut also has specific laws regarding the carrying of firearms by law enforcement officers (LEOs) and retired LEOs (RLEOs). Under the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA), qualified LEOs and RLEOs, or those separated from service in good standing, can carry a concealed firearm in any jurisdiction in the United States, regardless of state or local laws, with some exceptions.

Connecticut's open carry laws

As of 1 October 2023, open carry is illegal in Connecticut. This means that if an individual wants to carry a firearm, it must be concealed. To obtain a permit to carry a firearm in the state, a person must be a resident and complete a two-step application process. First, an applicant must apply for a temporary permit from local authorities, and then they must submit another application at the state level through the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP).

The application process requires the applicant to complete a handgun safety course, which must consist of no less than the NRA's "Basic Pistol Course." The course must include live-fire exercises. Additionally, applicants must submit to a background investigation, criminal history check, and submit fingerprints and photographs. The cost for obtaining a pistol permit is $70.00, and the permit is valid for five years.

Connecticut offers both resident and non-resident permits. However, Connecticut does not recognize permits from other states. Law enforcement officers (LEOs) and retired LEOs (RLEOs) may carry a concealed firearm under the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA). This allows qualified LEOs and RLEOs to carry a concealed firearm in any jurisdiction in the United States, regardless of state or local laws, with some exceptions.

There are several places in Connecticut where firearms are prohibited, including school grounds, the House of the General Assembly, and state forests or state parks without authorization from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. Additionally, it is illegal to carry a loaded pistol or revolver if an individual is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or if their blood alcohol content (BAC) is .08 or higher.

Frequently asked questions