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:

1. Is a resident of the City of Angels.
2. Is at least 21 years of age at the time the application is submitted.
3. Has good cause for issuance.
4. Is of good moral character.
5. 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:

1. Pass a background check performed by the California Department of Justice using the applicant’s fingerprints and information provided on the standard application form.
2. Be and remain qualified under state and federal law to possess, receive, own, and/or purchase a firearm.
3. 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.
4. 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

The process of applying for a CCW Permit consists of two phases. Upon the successful completion of each phase, the applicant will advance to the next phase until the process is completed and the license is either issued or denied.

PHASE ONE

1. Fully complete the Concealed Weapons License Application, including Section 7 Investigator’s Interview Notes. DO NOT SIGN THE APPLICATION. to be signed under penalty of perjury at the Angels Camp Police Department. It is against the law to knowingly make any false statements on such an application. In the event of any discrepancies in the application or background investigation, the applicant may be required to undergo a polygraph examination.
   Standard_CCW_Application.pdf
2. Submit a check made payable to the City of Angels for a nonrefundable 20 percent of the application fee to cover the cost of processing.
   *The application fee does not include any additional fees required for fingerprints, training, or psychological testing. Full payment of the remainder of the application fee will be required upon issuance of a license.
3. Submit proof of ownership and registration of each weapon to be licensed for concealment.
4. After the completed application and proof of weapon ownership/registration are received by the Police Department the Chief of Police or authorized designee will contact the applicant for a personal interview. During the interview, there will be further discussion of the applicant’s statement of good cause and any potential restrictions or conditions that might be placed on the license.

Once the Chief of Police, or authorized designee, has reviewed the completed application package and relevant background information, the application will either be advanced to phase two or denied.

In the event that an application is denied at the conclusion of or during phase one, the applicant shall be notified in writing.

PHASE TWO

Upon successful completion of phase one, the applicant shall:

1. Submit two full sets of fingerprints. One set will be taken as a Live Scan and submitted to the California Department of Justice for a complete criminal background check. The second set will be taken on a fingerprint card and maintained with your CCW Permit application at the Police Department.
2. Complete a CCW Permit training course approved by the Angels Camp Police Department.
3. 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. Failure to provide satisfactory evidence of medical fitness shall result in removal of the applicant from further consideration.
   *All costs associated with this requirement shall be paid for by the applicant.
4. The Chief of Police may require that the applicant be referred to an authorized psychologist used by the Department for psychological testing in order to determine the applicants suitability for carrying a concealed weapon.
   *All costs associated with this requirement shall be paid for by the applicant.

Once the Chief of Police or authorized designee has verified the successful completion of phase two, the application for CCW Permit will either be granted or denied.

Whether an application is approved or denied at the conclusion of or during phase two, the applicant shall be notified in writing within 90 days of the initial application or within 30 days after the receipt of the applicant’s criminal background check from the Department of Justice, whichever is later.
Applicants who are denied a concealed weapons permit will be advised of the reason for the denial. Applicants may appeal if their application for a permit is denied. All appeals must be submitted in writing within 30 days of the notice of denial to the Angels Camp Police Department.

ISSUED CONCEALED WEAPONS PERMITS

In the event that a CCW Permit is issued by the Chief of Police, the following shall apply:

1. The license will be subject to any and all reasonable restrictions or conditions the Chief of Police has deemed warranted, including restrictions as to the time, place, manner, and circumstances under which the person may carry the concealed firearm.
2. The CCW permit will be valid for a period not to exceed two years from the date of issuance.
3. The permit holder shall notify this department in writing within ten days of any change of place of residency. If the permit holder moves out of the City of Angels, the license shall expire ninety days after the permit holder has moved.

PERMIT RESTRICTIONS

1. The Chief of Police may place special restrictions limiting the time, place, and circumstances under which any permit shall be valid. In general, these restrictions will prohibit the permit holder from any of the following:
   1. Consuming any alcoholic beverage while armed
   2. Falsely representing him or herself as a peace officer
   3. Unjustified or unreasonable displaying of a weapon
   4. Committing any crime
   5. Being under the influence of any medication or drug while armed
   6. Interfering with any law enforcement officer’s duties
   7. Refusing to display his/her permit or weapon for inspection upon demand of any peace officer.
2. The alteration of any previously approved weapon including, but not limited to adjusting trigger pull, adding laser sights or modifications shall void any permit and serve as grounds for revocation.