CCW

Government & Politics abbreviation · Police

CCW
Stands forCarry concealed weapon
CategoriesGovernment & Politics

CCW stands for Carry concealed weapon, a police abbreviation.

License or permit allowing a person to carry a hidden handgun in public, also called CHL, CPL or LTC depending on the state. Officers check for permits during stops when a firearm is present.

Example: He told the officer he had a CCW and that the pistol was in his waistband.

Usage notes

The 2022 Supreme Court decision in New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v. Bruen struck down "may issue" permit systems that required showing special need. More than half of US states now allow permitless concealed carry for adults who may legally own guns. Reciprocity between states varies.

More police abbreviations

  • ASBO – Anti-social behaviour order
  • ATL – Attempt to locate
  • B&E – Breaking and entering
  • BAC – Blood alcohol concentration
  • BOLO – Be on the lookout
  • BWC – Body-worn camera
  • CEW – Conducted electrical weapon
  • CHP – California Highway Patrol
  • CI – Confidential informant
  • CID – Criminal Investigation Department
  • CIT – Crisis intervention team
  • CODIS – Combined DNA Index System

See all 84 police abbreviations →