Mark Tyson
Member
AREA POLICE RIP PLAN FOR HIDDEN WEAPONS
Copyright 2003 Madison Newspapers, Inc.
Capital Times (Madison, WI)
September 8, 2003 Monday, SECOND Edition
Local police officials today called on the state Legislature to reject proposed legislation to legalize carrying concealed weapons.
Monona Police Chief Brad Keil, head of the Dane County Police Chiefs Association, said claims that it would make Wisconsin safer "just aren't valid," adding that the legislation could contribute to an increase in gun-related deaths.
University of Wisconsin Police Chief Sue Riseling said the bill would allow the carrying of concealed weapons in classrooms, laboratories and dormitories.
Most assaults on the campus are among those who know each other, not strangers, and what is now a campus punch could turn into a gun shot, she suggested.
At a morning press conference, Dane County Sheriff Gary Hamblin added that just the record-keeping involved under the bill would worsen a current backlog in his office. "I don't carry a gun when I'm not working," said Hamblin, adding that that could change if the bill becomes law.
Wisconsin already is "one of the safest states in the country," said Keil, noting that the current law has been on the books for 130 years. Allowing the carrying of concealed weapons would "change our whole mind-set," he said, explaining the impact on police.
Currently, 33 states allow citizens to carry a concealed weapon without first convincing authorities that they have a compelling need, according to the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence.
Under the bill, which will be the topic of a public hearing Tuesday, a Wisconsin citizen at least 21 years old could carry a concealed weapon after completing a 22-hour firearms training course. Barred would be felons, those who are declared incompetent or drug dependent, and those ineligible because of federal law.
The bill is championed by state Sen. Dave Zien, R-Eau Claire, and state Rep. Scott Gunderson, R-Waterford, who say it would reduce violent crime and make Wisconsin a safer state.
"It's something that's a right that was taken away 130 years ago, and we need to give that right back," said Gunderson, who operates a sports shop.
Keil noted that Zien has argued that violent crime has decreased in states allowing concealed weapons.
"That's true. But violent crime is going down everywhere, but the gun lobby is not talking about that," Keil said. "There is not credible evidence that concealed weapons reduce crime."
E-mail: [email protected]
Copyright 2003 Madison Newspapers, Inc.
Capital Times (Madison, WI)
September 8, 2003 Monday, SECOND Edition
Local police officials today called on the state Legislature to reject proposed legislation to legalize carrying concealed weapons.
Monona Police Chief Brad Keil, head of the Dane County Police Chiefs Association, said claims that it would make Wisconsin safer "just aren't valid," adding that the legislation could contribute to an increase in gun-related deaths.
University of Wisconsin Police Chief Sue Riseling said the bill would allow the carrying of concealed weapons in classrooms, laboratories and dormitories.
Most assaults on the campus are among those who know each other, not strangers, and what is now a campus punch could turn into a gun shot, she suggested.
At a morning press conference, Dane County Sheriff Gary Hamblin added that just the record-keeping involved under the bill would worsen a current backlog in his office. "I don't carry a gun when I'm not working," said Hamblin, adding that that could change if the bill becomes law.
Wisconsin already is "one of the safest states in the country," said Keil, noting that the current law has been on the books for 130 years. Allowing the carrying of concealed weapons would "change our whole mind-set," he said, explaining the impact on police.
Currently, 33 states allow citizens to carry a concealed weapon without first convincing authorities that they have a compelling need, according to the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence.
Under the bill, which will be the topic of a public hearing Tuesday, a Wisconsin citizen at least 21 years old could carry a concealed weapon after completing a 22-hour firearms training course. Barred would be felons, those who are declared incompetent or drug dependent, and those ineligible because of federal law.
The bill is championed by state Sen. Dave Zien, R-Eau Claire, and state Rep. Scott Gunderson, R-Waterford, who say it would reduce violent crime and make Wisconsin a safer state.
"It's something that's a right that was taken away 130 years ago, and we need to give that right back," said Gunderson, who operates a sports shop.
Keil noted that Zien has argued that violent crime has decreased in states allowing concealed weapons.
"That's true. But violent crime is going down everywhere, but the gun lobby is not talking about that," Keil said. "There is not credible evidence that concealed weapons reduce crime."
E-mail: [email protected]