Establish State, County and Local Correctional officers as qualified Law Enforcement officers under "LEOSA".

The current law regarding the "Law Enforcement Officer Safety Act" provides a way for law enforcement officers to carry concealed handguns throughout the U.S and its terroritories off-duty. However, the current provision enables only officers who have "statutory powers of arrest" to be able to carry under this provision. Many Correctional Officers throughout the United States cannot carry under this law due to the lack of arrest authority, even though many quailfy and carry weapons lawfuly on duty. Correctional Officers put thier lives at risk daily to protect America from criminal offenders and often are faced with these dangers when approached by such individuals outside on the streets after they are released. We petition to amend LEOSA and allow a provision for firearm qualified C.O's.