Cops could check traffic stops for concealed carry permits

WBAY TV 2 ^ | 11-30-2005 | WBAY TV 2

[Extremely Extreme Extremist]

MADISON, Wis. One of law enforcement's biggest objections to allowing people to carry concealed weapons may have been overcome.

Sponsors of a Republican concealed-carry bill say they've reached a compromise with police groups. An amendment would allow officers on the road to run checks on cars they stop, to see if the owner has a permit to pack a weapon.

Casey Perry is executive director of the Wisconsin Troopers Association. He says the change would protect both people in the car and officers on the approach.

The bill's creators have insisted the list of permit holders remain secret to ensure criminals don't prey on people who aren't carrying.

Perry says under the amendment, any officer caught running registrations excessively to find out who has permits would be charged with a misdemeanor.

Melanie Fonder is a spokeswoman for Governor Doyle. She says Doyle still won't sign the bill.

He vetoed a previous concealed carry bill that cleared the Legislature.

Authors of the bill plan a news conference with police representatives tomorrow to give details of the amendment.

[Extremely Extreme Extremist]

Gutless, feckless Republicans in the Wisconsin Legislature have again caved to Governor Doyle. There is absolutely no need for any police officers to run background checks on concealed-carry permit holders, and will do nothing in terms of combating crime.

I'm actually hoping that Doyle vetoes this bill.

[Texas_Jarhead]

Here in Texas, you MUST hand over your CC permit along with license when stopped.

[ButThreeLeftsDo]

They're doing it in MN.

Carry and break no laws.

It's working.

I'm not entirely happy with it, but it's working.

[Turbopilot]

Well, that's some BS. On the other hand, it's my understanding that WI is one of the few states that currently doesn't permit 2nd Amendment rights under any circumstances. If that's correct, maybe a compromise (with evil) is better than the alternative?

[ozoneliar]

I'm actually hoping that Doyle vetoes this bill.

Actually, the article states that the compromise was made to get the police groups on their side. Doyle has constantly said that he will veto this bill. But hopefully this time around the legislature will have enough votes to override Doyle's veto.

[Extremely Extreme Extremist]

Here in Texas, you MUST hand over your CC permit along with license when stopped.

Why? If criminals are stopped, they don't hand over permits, because they're fricking criminals. Why should law-abiding citizens do the same? What is the police afraid of?

[festus]

any officer caught running registrations excessively to find out who has permits would be charged with a misdemeanor.

Uh huh. Sure.

[Extremely Extreme Extremist]

If that's correct, maybe a compromise (with evil) is better than the alternative?

Sorry, gun rights are non-negotiable.

[WKUHilltopper]

Why don't they pass a law to see if you're a legal citizen or have a permit to be here?!?

Gutless wonders...

[Texas_Jarhead]

It's just so they know that you are allowed to carry. No need to call in anything since they have your ID & CC permit. It's no big deal IMO. I think it is a better solution than running permit checks during a stop. That seems like a waste of time and resources.

[Extremely Extreme Extremist]

Doyle has constantly said that he will veto this bill.

Per the article, Doyle is going to veto it anyway. And I'm glad - because Republicans in the Legislature need to grow a spine and introduce a real CCW bill.

[ButThreeLeftsDo]

In MN, if the LEO asks if you are holdin' you must answer correctly.

I have no problem with that. As a law-abiding-citizen.

[Texas_Jarhead]

I don't blame LEOs for wanting to know as soon as possible that you have a firearm with you.

[Atlas Sneezed]

Check all you want, but there is no law that requires anyone to drive a car they own. Set up an LLC (preferably in another state) and the cops will be as clueless as if you were a crook with a gun and no permit.

Any cop afraid of an armed law-abiding citizen should not be on the job.

[Petronski]

Reporter took a flying leap of faith. It should read:

any officer caught running registrations excessively to find out who has permits would be chargeable with a misdemeanor.

[Extremely Extreme Extremist]

I just think it's redundant, IMO. People are just nosy.

[ButThreeLeftsDo]

Perfectly acceptable.

[Atlas Sneezed]

It's just so they know that you are allowed to carry.

---

It would make more sense to run background checks on every drivers license applicant, and have a special flag for those who are criminals, and NOT allowed to carry. Why should the cops care who is carrying, among law-abiding citizens?

[babygene]

"Here in Texas, you MUST hand over your CC permit along with license when stopped."

Even if your not caring?

In Idaho, it comes up on their computer if you have a permit, but they just ask you if your carrying. (that's what I've heard anyway, I haven't been pulled over in more than 20 years...)

[Atlas Sneezed]

Why is it any of the cop's business, any more than it is that of the shopkeeper, bartender, priest, or pal I encounter while carrying?