Last updated on June 14th, 2024
The Illinois Retired Officer Concealed Carry Program (IROCC) is a program that provides retired law enforcement officers in Illinois with the opportunity to obtain a special concealed carry permit. The IROCC program is separate from the normal concealed carry license for the general public. The IROCC program is authorized by Illinois and is designed to ensure that retired law enforcement officers have the necessary training and qualifications to carry concealed weapons.
Table of contents
- History of the IROCC Program
- How the IROCC Program Works
- Benefits of the IROCC Program
- Who Can Participate in the IROCC Program?
- How to Apply for the IROCC Program
- Where to Qualify for the Illinois Retired Officer Concealed Carry Program
- Insurance Requirements for IROCC
- Summary of IROCC Illinois Retired Officer Concealed Carry Program
- Additional Information about Illinois Retired Officer Concealed Carry Program (IROCC)
Subscribe to our newsletter!
History of the IROCC Program
The IROCC program was created in 2004, following the passage of the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA, Public Law 108-277, AKA HR218). LEOSA is a federal law that allows qualified retired law enforcement officers to carry concealed weapons in all 50 states. However, LEOSA does not specify the training or qualifications that retired law enforcement officers must meet to carry concealed weapons.
The IROCC program was created to fill this void with the passage of Public Act 94-103. The program was designed to ensure that retired law enforcement officers in Illinois have the necessary training and qualifications to carry concealed weapons safely and responsibly. The program was amended in 2010 to allow separated officers to apply and amended again in 2013 to allow military and DOD law enforcement to also be eligible for IROCC.
How the IROCC Program Works
The IROCC program has a two-step application process. The first part of the program is to submit your application for processing. The applicant can then go to a qualification range for the shooting exam after the application is approved.
If you successfully complete the firearms qualification course and the background check, you will be issued an IROCC card. The IROCC card is valid for one year.
Benefits of the IROCC Program
The IROCC program provides you with the opportunity to obtain a concealed carry permit that is recognized in all 50 states, as long as you are also in compliance with the laws of the state in which you are carrying.
We offer advanced firearm training classes. Keep your skills sharp and remain on the razor’s edge with your shooting abilities.
Who Can Participate in the IROCC Program?
The eligibility requirements for Illinois Retired Officer Concealed Carry Program do change from time to time. For the most recent requirements, you may want to visit the IROCC website. To be eligible for the IROCC program, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must be a retired or separated law enforcement officer from a law enforcement agency including DOD or military.
- You must have been honorably discharged from your law enforcement agency.
- You must have a valid Illinois driver’s license or state identification card.
- You must pass a background check.
- You must complete a firearms qualification course.
How to Apply for the IROCC Program
The application process for the IROCC program is simple and straightforward. You can download an application form from the IROCC website or request one by mail. The application fee is $75 for one firearm type or $100 for both revolver and semi-automatic.
Once you submit your application, it will be reviewed by the IROCC staff. If your application is approved, you may schedule to attend a firearms qualification course. After you successfully complete the qualification course, you will be issued an IROCC card.
Both the new applicant as well as the renewal applications are available on the IROCC website.
Where to Qualify for the Illinois Retired Officer Concealed Carry Program
There are approximately 20 locations throughout the state of Illinois for the retired officer to qualify. IROCC states that it is their goal to have a range location within an hour of anywhere within the state. The furthest North range facility is 5 Star Firearms in Zion, and the furthest South is the Carbondale Police Range in Carbondale Illinois. There are multiple qualifying ranges in the Chicago area including Article II in Lombard.
For a complete list, please visit the Range Locations tab on the IROCC website.
Insurance Requirements for IROCC
Insurance is not required for any concealed carry license in Illinois, including IROCC, but insurance is highly recommended. Retired officers should note that their former departments won’t be paying for their legal defense and a legal defense after a self-defense shooting could cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. CCW Safe is one of the companies an IROCC licensee may want to consider for legal coverage.
Summary of IROCC Illinois Retired Officer Concealed Carry Program
The IROCC program is a great way for retired law enforcement officers in Illinois to stay safe, stay connected, and stay qualified to carry concealed weapons. If you are a retired law enforcement officer in Illinois, I encourage you to consider participating in the IROCC program. It’s for your safety and the safety of everyone around you.
For more information about the IROCC program, please visit the IROCC website at www.irocc.org.
Additional Information about Illinois Retired Officer Concealed Carry Program (IROCC)
In addition to the information provided above, here are some additional things to keep in mind about the IROCC program:
The IROCC program does not provide you with immunity from prosecution for any crimes committed while carrying a concealed weapon. If you are arrested for a crime while carrying a concealed weapon, you will still be subject to the criminal justice system. The IROCC program is not a replacement for your personal responsibility to use firearms safely and responsibly. If you carry a concealed weapon, you must be aware of the laws governing concealed carry in Illinois and you must always use your firearm safely.
This is a very informative piece on the Illinois Retired Officer Concealed Carry Program (IROCC). It’s clear that a lot of thought and effort has been put into ensuring the safety and continuous training of retired law enforcement officers. ♂️
I particularly appreciate how the IROCC program bridges the gap left by LEOSA – not only allowing retired officers to carry concealed weapons, but also ensuring they maintain the necessary training and qualifications to do so responsibly.
However, it’s worth highlighting the point made towards the end of the article, that the IROCC program doesn’t provide immunity from prosecution for crimes committed while carrying a concealed weapon. It’s a strong reminder of the personal responsibility required when it comes to firearm usage, even for trained professionals.
Finally, it’s a good point that, despite the IROCC training and card, retired officers should stay up-to-date with the laws of the state they’re carrying in. It would be helpful to provide some resources or tips on how to do this in a future post.
Overall, a thorough and useful read for those interested or involved in law enforcement in Illinois!
Is the chicago metra rail system a place where qualified retired LEOS can carry a concealed firearm? Apparently I can’t get a straight answer to this question .
Absolutely, METRA is a Government and is under HR 218 all Police are able to carry under HR 218 and under IROCC
What are the requirements for an IROCC firearms instructor?