Gardena Police Department CCW Application Process

California law authorizes local law enforcement officials—sheriffs and chiefs of police—to issue licenses allowing license holders to “carry concealed a pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person.” Cal. Pen. Code §§ 26150, 26155. In counties where the population is less than 200,000, local officials are also authorized to issue licenses permitting open carry in only that jurisdiction. Id. §§ 26150(b)(2); 26155(b)(2). These licenses, whether for concealed carry or open carry, exempt the holder from many generally applicable restrictions on the carrying of firearms in public. Local officials are only authorized to issue such licenses, however, upon proof that (1) “the applicant is of good moral character,” (2) the applicant is a resident of the relevant county or city and (3) the applicant has completed a course of training. Id. §§26150(a), 26155(a).

 

The Chief of Police is given the statutory discretion to issue a license to carry a firearm to residents within the community (Penal Code § 26150; Penal Code § 26155). This policy will provide a written process for the application and issuance of such licenses. Pursuant to Penal Code § 26160, this policy shall be made accessible to the public.

 Qualifications

In order to qualify for a license to carry a firearm, the applicant must meet certain requirements, including, but not limited to:

(a) Be a resident of the City of Gardena (Penal Code § 26150; Penal Code § 26155).

(b) Be at least 21 years of age (Penal Code § 29610).

(c) Fully complete an application that will include substantial personal information. Much of the information in the application may be subject to public access under the Public Records Act.

(d) Be free from criminal convictions that would disqualify the applicant from carrying a firearm. Fingerprints will be required, and a complete criminal background check will be conducted.

(e) Be of good moral character (Penal Code § 26150; Penal Code § 26155).

(f) Pay all associated application fees. These fees are set by statute and may not be refunded if the application is denied.

(g) Provide proof of ownership or registration of any firearm to be licensed.

(h) Be free from any psychological conditions that might make the applicant unsuitable for carrying a firearm (Penal Code § 26190).

(i) Complete required training (Penal Code § 26165).

Application Process

Gardena residents who wish to obtain a permit to carry a concealed weapon (CCW) through the Gardena Police Department must complete the following process. Although the process can be completed out of sequence, following the order listed below will help applicants move through the process more efficiently. Applicants who have questions regarding the CCW application process can contact the Gardena Police Department CCW investigator.

Detective Dixon can be reached at (310) 217-6194 or by email sdixon@gardenapd.org

1. LIVE SCAN
   As part of your background check, you will need to complete a live scan. A copy of the Gardena Police department live scan form can be found here or a copy can be obtained at the Gardena Police Department.The Gardena Police Department offers live scan services for CCW applicants by appointment only. To find your nearest live scan location refer to the Department of Justice website: (https://oag.ca.gov/fingerprints/locations).

   It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure the live scan operator inputs all information correctly. Failure to verify that the live scan information is correct may result in having to complete a secondary live scan and will delay the application process.

2. APPLICATION
   Applicants will begin by completing the California Department of Justice Bureau of Firearms “Standard Initial and Renewal Application for License to Carry a Concealed Weapon” (BOF 4012, Rev. 01/2024). At the time the completed application is submitted, the applicant shall submit cash or check made payable to the City of Gardena for a nonrefundable 20 percent of the application fee ($73.86) to cover the cost of processing the application (Penal Code § 26190). Full payment of the remainder of the application fee ($295.48) will be required prior to issuance of a license.

   NOTE: Page 17 of The California Department of Justice Bureau of Firearms “Standard Initial and Renewal Application for License to Carry a Concealed Weapon” (BOF 4012) (Witness Signature, Badge Number and Date) will not be signed until your interview with the Gardena Police Department CCW Investigator.

3. DOCUMENTATION

   The following documents are required and will be submitted at the time of your interview. Any required document not provided, will result in a cancelled interview, and will need to be re-scheduled.Valid California Driver’s License, or California Identification Card with the applicant’s name and current Gardena address.Original Birth Certificate, Naturalization Certificate, or Valid US Passport.Proof of Residency (Home utility bill including cellular phones, Rental/lease agreement, Mortgage bill). If you do not have a utility bill, advise your Investigator when you are contacted to discuss additional documents accepted as proof of residency.DD-214 (if applicable).

4. LETTERS OF REFERENCE

   The applicant shall provide at least three letters of character reference. Each reference should be someone that the applicant has known for at least two (2) years. One of the three must be person described in Penal Code section 273.5, subdivision (b) (your spouse or former spouse, your cohabitant or former cohabitant, your fiancée, or someone with whom you have, or previously had, an engagement or dating relationship, or the mother or father of your child), if applicable. At least one of the three must be your cohabitant, if applicable.

5. INTERVIEW
   

   Interview with a background investigator and a review of required documents. On the date of the interview appointment, the applicant should bring as many of the required documentation as possible. DO NOT BRING YOUR FIREARMS. During the interview the investigator will go over the application process and advise the applicant regarding any concerns the applicant may have. A photograph will also be taken at the time of the interview.
   

   Investigation

   The Gardena Police Department CCW investigator will conduct a thorough investigation to confirm the validity of all training and qualification requirements. CCW permits will not be issued until clearance is obtained from the Department of Justice.

   All applicants shall be given written notice indicating the approval or denial of the requested CCW license within 90 days of the completed application process or 30 days after receipt of the applicant’s background check from DOJ, whichever is later. If the license is denied, the notice shall state which requirement was not satisfied.

   The Chief of Police may attach reasonable conditions or restrictions upon such licenses including, but not limited to:

   1. 1. The type of weapon and ammunition that is permitted and carried.

      2. The times and places where the concealed weapon can be carried.

      3. Limitations in carrying concealed weapons to those circumstances when a specific dangerous activity is to be encountered and for which the applicant has sought the license.

      4. Consuming any alcoholic beverage while armed.

      5. Being under the influence of any medication or drug while armed when the medication or drug cautions the user not to take while operating a vehicle or heavy machinery. Additionally, CCW permit holders taking any prescription medication or drug must have a valid prescription in their name for that medication/drug.

   If granted, the duration of the license shall be not more than two years, as allowed by law. The license shall lapse by operation of law if the licensee is convicted by final judgment of any felony, or serious misdemeanor, including driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

   If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or other portion of this policy is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by the decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this policy.

   In the event that an application is denied at the conclusion of, or during, phase one, the applicant shall be notified in writing within 90 days of the initial application or within 30 days after receipt of the applicant’s criminal background check from the California DOJ, whichever is later. If the license is denied, the notice shall state which requirement was not satisfied (Penal Code § 26205)

6. FIREARMS TRAINING

   Applicants must successfully complete a firearms training course, per Penal Code 26165. Applicants will contact a Gardena Police Department approved Training Provider (See attached list below) and successfully complete the training course.

   New Applicants must complete a training course that shall be no less than 16 hours in length. The course shall include instruction on firearm safety, firearm handling, shooting technique, safe storage, legal methods to transport firearms and securing firearms in vehicles, laws governing where permitholders may carry firearms, laws regarding the permissible use of a firearm, and laws regarding the permissible use of lethal force in self-defense.

   The course shall include a component, no less than one hour in length, on mental health and mental health resources.

   Except for the component on mental health and mental health resources, the course shall be taught and supervised by firearms instructors certified by the Department of Justice pursuant to Section 31635, or in a manner to be prescribed by regulation.

   The course shall require students to pass a written examination to demonstrate their understanding of the covered topics.

   The course shall include live-fire shooting exercises on a firing range and shall include a demonstration by the applicant of safe handling of, and shooting proficiency with, each firearm that the applicant is applying to be licensed to carry.

   Renewal applicants must complete a training course lasting no less than 8 hours.
   

   The course shall include instruction on firearm safety, firearm handling, shooting technique, safe storage, legal methods to transport firearms and securing firearms in vehicles, laws governing where permitholders may carry firearms, laws regarding the permissible use of a firearm, and laws regarding the permissible use of lethal force in self-defense.

   The course shall include a component, no less than one hour in length, on mental health and mental health resources.

   Except for the component on mental health and mental health resources, the course shall be taught and supervised by firearms instructors certified by the Department of Justice pursuant to Section 31635, or in a manner to be prescribed by regulation.

   The course shall require students to pass a written examination to demonstrate their understanding of the covered topics.

   The course shall include live-fire shooting exercises on a firing range and shall include a demonstration by the applicant of safe handling of, and shooting proficiency with, each firearm that the applicant is applying to be licensed to carry.

   All firearms shall be inspected by the training provider to ensure that they are safe, operable, and in compliance with CA state and federal regulations. Applicants must complete and pass a live fire course with each firearm to be listed on the license.

   Once the applicant has completed their firearms training, a copy of the completed and signed Shooting Proficiency form along with a training certificate, shall be provided to the Gardena Police department CCW Investigator.

   Gardena Police Department Authorized Training Providers

    

   Handgun Requirements

   Any handgun that the applicant intends to carry and have listed on their CCW license shall meet the bellow criteria prior to being used during their required firearms training. Failure to follow the criteria or failure to adhere to CA state and federal regulations will result in the immediate suspension and/or revocation of the license.

   • The handgun must be registered/DROS to the applicant.
   • The handgun must be concealable upon the person or reasonably sized bag or purse.
   • The handgun, magazines, and ammunition must be in compliance with applicable CA state and federal laws.
   • “AR Pistols” and similar handguns are not permitted.
7. PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT

   In addition to licensing requirements as specified by the licensing authority, the Gardena Police Department may require CCW applicants to undergo psychological testing as part of the application process. Applicants may be referred to a licensed psychologist used by the Gardena Police Department for the psychological testing of its own employees. Any fees charged will be the responsibility of the applicant and such fees shall not exceed $150.00 for an initial test. Additional psychological testing of an applicant seeking license renewal may be required.

8. FIREARM INSPECTION

   Prior to issuance of the CCW permit, all applicants will need to meet with a Gardena Police Department Range Officer to conduct an inspection of the firearm as well as discuss the applicant’s safe storage device(s). The Gardena Police Department CCW investigator will contact the applicant and schedule the inspection. On the date of the inspection, instruction will be given to the applicant on how to bring their firearms to the station. Variations in this procedure will not be tolerated and can result in denial of a CCW permit.

   Summary of Safe Storage Laws Regarding Children

   California recognizes the importance of safe storage by requiring that all firearms sold in California be accompanied by a DOJ-approved firearms safety device or proof that the purchaser owns a gun safe that meets regulatory standards established by the Department. The current list of DOJ-approved firearms safety devices and the gun safe standards can be viewed by visiting http://oag.ca.gov/firearms/fsdcertlist.

   You may be guilty of a misdemeanor or a felony if you keep a loaded firearm within any premises that are under your custody or control and a child under 18 years of age obtains and uses it, resulting in injury or death, or carries it to a public place, unless you stored the firearm in a locked container or locked the firearm with a locking device to temporarily keep it from functioning.

   California generally requires all individuals, including law enforcement officers and CCW permit holders, to safely store handguns when leaving them in unattended motor vehicles. This law requires that the unattended handgun be secured either in a locked trunk; in a locked container that is placed out of plain view or permanently affixed to the vehicle’s interior; or in a locked toolbox or utility box that is permanently affixed to the bed of a pickup truck or other vehicle that does not have a trunk (Penal Code § 25140, 25452, 25612, SB 869).

9. LICENSE ISSUANCE

   Applicants who successfully complete all the training and qualification requirements (all the required documents have been obtained, applications completed, testing and live scan results returned) will be contacted by the CCW investigator to schedule a pick-up date for their license to carry a concealed weapon. The licensee will come to the station to complete the final Identification Card process and pay any remaining fees. Once the identification card is completed, the CCW permit will be issued.

   The License Holder agrees to follow all Terms of Use and maintain good moral character at all times. They must not engage in criminal activities or conduct themselves in any way other than as responsible and law-abiding citizens. The Gardena Department has the right to suspend or revoke a license if it is notified by the Department of Justice that the licensee is prohibited by state or federal law from owning or purchasing a firearm, or if the license holder engages in any criminal conduct or otherwise violates the Terms of Use.

10. FEES
    All fees associated with the CCW permit and application are the responsibility of the applicant. Applicants are subject to an application fee determined by the California Department of Justice. In addition, as permitted under PC § 26190(b), additional application processing fees shall be collected according to the Gardena Police Department’s following fee schedule:

    New Application Fees
    At the time of application filing, applicants shall pay an initial, $73.86 (Non-Refundable) processing fee (i.e., 20% of the Department’s application processing costs) to the city of Gardena.

    At the time of new license issuance, applicants shall pay the remaining balance of the Department’s application processing costs to the city of Gardena $295.48.

    Renewal Fee
    At the time of application filing, renewal applicants shall pay a $25 processing plus a card fee, to the City of Gardena.

    Replacement / Amendment Fee
    At the time of application filing for a license replacement or amendment, the applicant shall pay a $10 processing plus a card fee, to the City of Gardena.
    Payment can be made by Credit Card, Debit Card, Personal Check, Money Order or Cash (Exact Change).

    Concealed Weapons Permit and Associated Fees

Disqualifications and Denials

If an application for a new license, renewal of a license, or revocation is denied based on a determination that the person is a disqualified person as provided by Penal Code § 26202, the Chief of Police or the authorized designee shall provide the person with the notice of determination as provided by Penal Code § 26202(d), Penal Code § 26205, or Penal Code § 26195(b)(3). The notice shall state the reason why the determination was made and inform the applicant that they may request a hearing from a court. The Department shall also provide the most recent California DOJ hearing request form to the applicant (Penal Code § 26206).

If a new license or license renewal to carry a concealed firearm pursuant to Penal Code sections 26150, 26155, or 26170 is denied or revoked based on a determination that the applicant is a disqualified person for such a license, as set forth in Penal Code section 26202, the applicant may request a hearing from the superior court of their county of residence to review the denial or revocation of a license. Pursuant to Penal Code section 26206, subdivision (c), an applicant must request a hearing within 30 days after receipt of the notice of denial or revocation from the licensing authority, or when applicable, within 30 days after receipt of the notice of an unsuccessful appeal of the denial or revocation with the licensing authority. The superior court shall set a hearing date within 60 days of receipt of this request, unless a continuance is granted as described in Penal Code section 26206, subdivision (d)(2), and notify the applicant, licensing authority, district attorney, and Department of Justice about the hearing date.

Insurance Recommendation

Owning and carrying a concealed firearm carries a tremendous amount of responsibility. It is recommended that CCW permit holders research and purchase some form of concealed carry insurance. Although there is currently no legal requirement to obtain such insurance in California, if you are involved in a situation where you discharged your firearm, a concealed carry insurance policy could help provide you with specific protections. This may be helpful if you are engaged in a legal battle concerning the lawful use of your firearm.

California Senate Bill No. 2 (01/2024)

On September 26, 2023, Governor Newsom signed into law California Senate Bill 2, which will impact various areas of CCW license processing and carrying privileges beginning January 1, 2024.

Our CCW License Terms of Use, to which you agreed upon receiving your current license, require adherence to California state laws. I strongly encourage you to review Senate Bill 2 online in its entirety, so you are fully aware of all new state regulations and restrictions pertaining to your license.

Of particular importance within Senate Bill 2 is Penal Code 26230, which contains a list of statewide places, properties, and conditions, where your CCW license will no longer permit you to carry a firearm. Violations of Penal Code 26230 may result in arrest and will result in the revocation of the license. Penal Code Section 26230 is enclosed for your reference.

Senate Bill 2 applicant processing provisions pertaining to new licenses and renewal of licenses, will be incorporated into our application process beginning January 1, 2024.

Penal Code 26230
(a) A person granted a license to carry a pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person pursuant to Section 26150, 26155, or 26170 shall not carry a firearm on or into any of the following:
(1) A place prohibited by Section 626.9.
(2) A building, real property, or parking area under the control of a preschool or childcare facility, including a room or portion of a building under the control of a preschool or childcare facility. Nothing in this paragraph shall prevent the operator of a childcare facility in a family home from owning or possessing a firearm in the home if no child under child care at the home is present in the home or the firearm in the home is unloaded, stored in a locked container, and stored separately from ammunition when a child under child care at the home is present in the home so long as the childcare provider notifies clients that there is a firearm in the home.
(3) A building, parking area, or portion of a building under the control of an officer of the executive or legislative branch of the state government, except as allowed pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (b) of Section 171c.
(4) A building designated for a court proceeding, including matters before a superior court, district court of appeal, or the California Supreme Court, parking area under the control of the owner or operator of that building, or a building or portion of a building under the control of the Supreme Court, unless the person is a justice, judge, or commissioner of that court.
(5) A building, parking area, or portion of a building under the control of a unit of local government, unless the firearm is being carried for purposes of training pursuant to Section 26165.
(6) A building, real property, and parking area under the control of an adult or juvenile detention or correctional institution, prison, or jail.
(7) A building, real property, and parking area under the control of a public or private hospital or hospital affiliate, mental health facility, nursing home, medical office, urgent care facility, or other place at which medical services are customarily provided.
(8) A bus, train, or other form of transportation paid for in whole or in part with public funds, and a building, real property, or parking area under the control of a transportation authority supported in whole or in part with public funds.
(9) A building, real property, and parking area under the control of a vendor or an establishment where intoxicating liquor is sold for consumption on the premises.
(10) A public gathering or special event conducted on property open to the public that requires the issuance of a permit from a federal, state, or local government and sidewalk or street immediately adjacent to the public gathering or special event but is not more than 1,000 feet from the event or gathering, provided this prohibition shall not apply to a licensee who must walk through a public gathering in order to access their residence, place of business, or vehicle.
(11) A playground or public or private youth center, as defined in Section 626.95, and a street or sidewalk immediately adjacent to the playground or youth center.
(12) A park, athletic area, or athletic facility that is open to the public and a street or sidewalk immediately adjacent to those areas, provided this prohibition shall not apply to a licensee who must walk through such a place in order to access their residence, place of business, or vehicle.
(13) Real property under the control of the Department of Parks and Recreation or Department of Fish and Wildlife, except those areas designated for hunting pursuant to Section 5003.1 of the Public Resources Code, Section 4501 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, or any other designated public hunting area, public shooting ground, or building where firearm possession is permitted by applicable law.
(14) Any area under the control of a public or private community college, college, or university, including, but not limited to, buildings, classrooms, laboratories, medical clinics, hospitals, artistic venues, athletic fields or venues, entertainment venues, officially recognized university-related organization properties, whether owned or leased, and any real property, including parking areas, sidewalks, and common areas.
(15) A building, real property, or parking area that is or would be used for gambling or gaming of any kind whatsoever, including, but not limited to, casinos, gambling establishments, gaming clubs, bingo operations, facilities licensed by the California Horse Racing Board, or a facility wherein banked or percentage games, any form of gambling device, or lotteries, other than the California State Lottery, are or will be played.
(16) A stadium, arena, or the real property or parking area under the control of a stadium, arena, or a collegiate or professional sporting or eSporting event.
(17) A building, real property, or parking area under the control of a public library.
(18) A building, real property, or parking area under the control of an airport or passenger vessel terminal, as those terms are defined in subdivision (a) of Section 171.5.
(19) A building, real property, or parking area under the control of an amusement park.
(20) A building, real property, or parking area under the control of a zoo or museum.
(21) A street, driveway, parking area, property, building, or facility, owned, leased, controlled, or used by a nuclear energy, storage, weapons, or development site or facility regulated by the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
(22) A church, synagogue, mosque, or other place of worship, including in any parking area immediately adjacent thereto, unless the operator of the place of worship clearly and conspicuously posts a sign at the entrance of the building or on the premises indicating that license holders are permitted to carry firearms on the property. Signs shall be of a uniform design as prescribed by the Department of Justice and shall be at least four inches by six inches in size.
(23) A financial institution or parking area under the control of a financial institution.
(24) A police, sheriff, or highway patrol station or parking area under control of a law enforcement agency.
(25) A polling place, voting center, precinct, or other area or location where votes are being cast or cast ballots are being returned or counted, or the streets or sidewalks immediately adjacent to any of these places.
(26) Any other privately owned commercial establishment that is open to the public, unless the operator of the establishment clearly and conspicuously posts a sign at the entrance of the building or on the premises indicating that license holders are permitted to carry firearms on the property. Signs shall be of a uniform design as prescribed by the Department of Justice and shall be at least four inches by six inches in size.
(27) Any other place or area prohibited by other provisions of state law.
(28) Any other place or area prohibited by federal law.
(29) Any other place or area prohibited by local law.