1. A. Any current peace officer residing in New Mexico shall be allowed to obtain a five-year concealed handgun carry license by submitting:

   1. (1) all forms as required in 10.8.2.11 NMAC;
   2. (2) a letter from his or her agency head verifying that the applicant is employed in good standing and is qualified under Section 29-19-4 NMSA 1978;
   3. (3) a copy of his or her law enforcement certification; and
   4. (4) a copy of his or her latest firearms qualification score with category and caliber designated, signed and dated by the authorized firearms instructor conducting the course.

2. B. An application may be denied if:

   1. (1) the head of the law enforcement agency employing the officer requests in writing that a license not be issued and supplies sufficient information to enable the department to determine if the denial should be granted; or
   2. (2) if the applicant has pending criminal charges or serious administrative allegations involving his or her conduct as a peace officer.
3. C. The agency and applicant will be notified in writing of the department’s decision. If denied, the applicant may follow the process contained in 10.8.2.27 NMAC.
4. D. The applicant’s agency will be notified of any disqualifying information that may become known during the background check.
5. E. A license issued under this section shall not be used, and must be turned in to the department’s concealed carry unit, immediately upon the officer no longer being employed by a law enforcement agency.

[10.8.2.30 NMAC - Rp, 10.8.2.30 NMAC, 11/30/2016, A, 12/9/2025]