Los Angeles Police Chief Michel Moore has announced that the department is taking steps to permit non-citizen DACA recipients, who are currently serving as officers, to carry firearms on a full-time basis. This comes after California passed a law allowing non-U.S. citizens to serve as police officers.
The program, launched in 2012, provides certain undocumented immigrants who arrived in the U.S. as children the opportunity to apply for deferred action and work permits.
However, federal restrictions prevent DACA recipients from possessing guns. While they are allowed to have police-issued weapons while on duty, they are not permitted to take them home like their colleagues.
“When these current individuals, who are DACA recipients, graduate from the academy, it would be appropriate for us to have a written policy that clearly defines what their authorities and responsibilities are, given their position as a police officer,” Chief Michel Moore told NBC Los Angeles.
The Board of Police Commissioners has given initial approval for the changes necessary to allow DACA recipients to carry firearms. It is anticipated that DACA recruits may join the department in the upcoming spring season.