Carry Concealed Weapons Policy

Pursuant to Penal Code section 26160, this policy is intended to provide the public with a summary of the criteria that the Angels Camp Police Department (ACPD) considers when reviewing applications for a license to carry a concealed weapon (CCW).

INTRODUCTION

A CCW authorizes the license holder to carry a pre-approved firearm concealed on their person. California Penal Code section 26155 vests the Chief of the Angels Camp Police Department with the authority to approve or deny CCW licenses to applicants that reside within the City of Angels.

In California, the decision to issue a CCW license is discretionary. Penal Code section 26155 provides that the Chief “may” issue, but is not required to issue, a CCW license if certain minimum statutory criteria are satisfied. The Chief’s decision to issue a CCW license will depend on circumstances in each individual case, and there is no guarantee that an applicant will receive a CCW license even if he or she satisfies all of the criteria listed below.

BASIC ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

To be eligible for a CCW, the applicant must prove that he or she:

Is a resident of the City of Angels.
Is at least 21 years of age at the time the application is submitted.
Has good cause for issuance.
Is of good moral character.
Is qualified by state and federal law to possess, receive, own, and/or purchase a firearm.

GOOD CAUSE FOR ISSUANCE

The applicant must establish that there is good cause for the Chief of Police to issue a CCW. Good Cause is defined as: Any citizen concerned for the safety of themselves, their family and friends, or their employees.

GOOD MORAL CHARACTER

Once an eligible applicant makes a preliminary showing of good cause, the ACPD will conduct a background investigation to determine whether the applicant is of good moral character. To demonstrate good moral character, the applicant must at minimum:

Pass a background check performed by the California Department of Justice using the applicant’s fingerprints and information provided on the standard application form.
Be and remain qualified under state and federal law to possess, receive, own, and/or purchase a firearm.
Have no history of citations, arrests, convictions, civil lawsuits, employment discharges, license denials, license revocations, or other actions indicating possible propensity for violence, moral turpitude, drug and/or alcohol abuse, carelessness with weapons and/or dishonesty.
Provide three positive personal character references that are aware that the applicant seeks a license to carry a concealed weapon.

The Chief’s moral character determination is discretionary and based on the totality of the circumstances presented in each individual case.

PERSONAL SUITABILITY

The applicant must be free of any physical, psychiatric, and/or psychological conditions that might negatively impact his or her exercise of sound judgment and/or ability to handle a firearm safely. The Chief of Police may require an applicant to provide written evidence from a licensed physician that the applicant is not currently suffering from any medical condition that would make the individual unsuitable for carrying a concealed weapon. *All costs associated with this requirement shall be paid for by the applicant.

FIREARMS TRAINING AND QUALIFICATION

The applicant must establish legal ownership and registration of any weapon he or she seeks to carry concealed and provide proof of having completed an ACPD approved training course. Please consult the ACPD for currently approved training courses.

APPLICATION AND LICENSING FEES

Applicant must pay all associated application and licensing fees. These fees are set by statute and may not be refunded if the application is denied. Please consult the ACPD for a current fee schedule.

HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENT

Applicants must complete a hold harmless agreement specifically naming the Chief of Police, the Angels Camp Police Department, and the City of Angels.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Online applications will be processed by the Angels Camp Police Department through PermitDirector by Permitium. PermitDirector is the only authorized and approved vendor for online CCW applications.