Posted on 11/07/2003 11:26:22 AM PST by ninenot
Waukesha - Citing fears of increased gun violence, many police chiefs and other officials in Waukesha County said Thursday they oppose legalizing concealed weapons in Wisconsin.
"We're opening the door to problems," Big Bend Police Chief John Hefley said as state lawmakers edged closer permitting residents to carry weapons.
Earlier Thursday, the Assembly had followed the Senate's lead in approving a bill requiring county sheriffs to issue permits allowing qualified applicants to carry concealed handguns or other weapons.
Gov. Jim Doyle has said he will veto any such measure, but legislative proponents are expected to mount a veto override effort.
Some area critics of the bill hope that Waukesha County seizes on an opportunity to opt out of concealed weapons, choosing not to issue that sort of permit to local gun owners, as allowed by current versions of the legislation.
Waukesha police Capt. Mike Babe said he would support that strategy.
"We're opposed to putting any more guns on the streets," Babe said.
But opting out would require the support of Waukesha County Sheriff Dan Trawicki, who has historically been an avid supporter of gun-owner rights. Trawicki was on vacation Thursday and could not be reached for comment.
County Board Chairman James Dwyer of Menomonee Falls said he did not know if there would be enough votes on the County Board to opt out. Doing so would require a two-thirds majority of the 35-member board, although the sheriff could disregard that and continue issuing permits, under the proposed legislation.
Dwyer said he opposes permitting concealed weapons because he believes it creates too much potential for increased gun violence.
"The principle of it, I think, is a problem," he said.
Under measures approved by both the Assembly and Senate, residents 21 and older could apply to their county sheriff for a permit to carry concealed weapons. To qualify, applicants would be required to complete safety training and could not have been convicted of a felony or other serious crime within three years.
Proponents argue that citizens should be allowed to carry concealed weapons to protect themselves against crime.
Waukesha County District Attorney Paul Bucher said he opposes changing the law.
Bucher said he is most concerned that the proposed legislation would allow concealed weapons in vehicles, putting police officers at risk whenever they make a traffic stop.
He said he has testified before lawmakers against legalizing concealed weapons and still feels that way.
"If I'm sitting in a room with 10 people, and they don't have guns, I feel safer," he said. Of several Waukesha County law enforcement officials interviewed Thursday, none expressed support for concealed weapons.
Brookfield Assistant Police Chief Dean Collins said the bill approved in the Senate would prohibit police officers from checking whether a person has a concealed weapon permit before attempting to arrest that person.
"This lack of intelligence could place officers in serious jeopardy," Collins said.
Menomonee Falls Police Chief Jack Pitrof said, "Any time officers are faced with potential danger, I would be against it."
Capt. Paul Geiszler of the Muskego Police Department said he would like to see Waukesha County opt out of legalized concealed weapons, if the law passes.
Although opting out would not necessarily prohibit local residents from getting permits in other counties, under the current proposal, Geiszler said, he would hope to restrict the proliferation of guns in Waukesha County.
"I'm a cop," he said. "I don't carry a gun off duty."
Hartland Police Chief Robert Rosch said officers undergo extensive training before being allowed to carry weapons. He questioned the wisdom of allowing citizens to carry weapons without similar training.
Rosch said he fears the proposed law would turn simple street fights into deadly violence.
Lots of municipalities and states have enacted CCW. Is there any evidence in even a single instance where increased gun violence was a consequence? Aren't we at a point where the proper response to such concerns is "put up or shut up?"
If they feel that the job is too dangerous, then they should get into another line of work. I'm pretty sure that cops are told at the academy to assume that the driver of every car they pull over is armed. Taxpayers do not exist to make things "safe" for the police!
The guns aren't going to be placed on the street. The law would enable folks to bear arms as an effective defense againt criminal attack. Seems the good capt. has a problem grasping reality.
Policetalk for, "the proles will actually be able to resist unlawful arrests!"
The fundamental principle involved is that citizens have the right to choose an effective means of defense against criminal attacks that place the citizen in harms way. Chairman Dwyer has a problem with this principle. He should be voted out of office.
I'm assuming you use the word good rather loosely and, perhaps, just a bit sarcastically?
8^D
The "problem" of honest citizens have the ability to defend themselves and their loved ones? The "problem" of JBT cops not feeling quite as all-powerful anymore?
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