Expert: Loren Stevens - 8/6/2010

Question
I asked you some questions for one of my stories a while
back, so now that I'm working on the story again, I have
some more.  :D

It's just a simple question this time.

Can law enforcement officers be armed when flying (you know,
airports & security and all that)?

Answer
Hello Caren,
Well, yes and no.
Simply being a 'generic' law enforcement officer, is no longer enough. Officers who are expected to be armed are the TSA Air Marshals, and IF CERTIFIED flight deck officers....These FDO's have the smallest jurisdiction of all...the flight deck of the craft. They go through a couple of weeks of training, at a FLETC facility.
Other LE officers need to go through hoops with TSA, and have documented letter (on stationary) from their agency, that suggests necessity, rather than mere desirability.
Otherwise, stow it in luggage. In past years, officers would stow their weapons in the cab, with the pilot, and retrieve it after arriving to their destination.
Officers who are 'under orders' (federal officers) need to go through the TSA hoops, and have documents in support of the need to be armed. Then, they are escorted around the metal detectors, so as not to alarm the passengers, or "put a hat on them" ( finger them to others, and compromise their status).
Almost any LE officer can probably be armed in a transportation environment, atleast in areas that precede the metal detectors.
In past years, many police ops, where there was an 'exchange' like counterfeit money, precious stones, dope etc, was set up PAST the metal detectors, so as to avoid a "rip-off" and to relax all the players, that both sides were then unarmed for the transaction, creating a more trusting attitude, that no rip offs could be threatened.
So to answer your question, yes, they can be armed, if the TSA protocol has been satisfied, and there is authorized documentation, insupport of the necessity of being armed.
Hope this is helpful.
If you need specific protocol, I suggest you consult TSA supervisor, or even a Air Marshal.
Good Luck,
loren