Commission takes no action on LEOSA retired-officer permit pending documentation of good‑standing

The commission reviewed an application for a retired-officer handgun permit under the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA) submitted by a retiree whose record included prior separation from the Tennessee Highway Patrol and later employment with Alexandria.

Attorney Jack Byrd and counsel for the applicant explained that the applicant had more than 20 years of aggregate law‑enforcement experience and that Alexandria had certified the retirement was in good standing. POST staff noted a discrepancy in Cadis records: the Tennessee Highway Patrol listed the applicant as ineligible for rehire, which created ambiguity about whether the applicant’s separation from THP constituted “good standing” under POST rules for LEOSA eligibility.

After discussion the commission voted to take no action at the meeting and directed staff to clarify whether the applicant’s aggregate service satisfied the 10‑year requirement and to reconcile agency records about separation status.

Why it matters: LEOSA permits allow qualified retired officers to carry a firearm under federal law; POST’s determination of a retired-officer permit requires verification of aggregated service and separation status. The commission’s decision to take no action preserves the agency’s obligation to confirm eligibility before issuing a permit.

Ending: POST staff will follow up with the applicant’s former agencies to reconcile records; the commission did not deny the application but deferred a decision pending documentation.