Unlike the state police officers, the municipal police officers are regarded as civilians. While in many other countries in Europe the municipal policemen are unarmed, the Czech municipal police officers all have firearms which they carry openly. Due to their civilian status they need to obtain a "D category" gun license in order to be able to be armed. However, while on duty, they have a public peacekeeper status and are protected by law. Anyone, who attacks municipal police officer, is judged under stricter paragraphs and his penalty is higher.