Doctors Who Carry Guns and Make Arrests?

http://www.wtop.com/index.php?nid=25&sid=167376 ^

[Stew Padasso]

Doctors Who Carry Guns and Make Arrests? Updated: Thursday, Feb. 5, 2004 - 7:30 AM

FREDERICK, Md. (AP) - The General Assembly is considering a bill that would let physicians carry guns and make arrests as members of county homeland security teams. The bill, sponsored by two Frederick County senators, was proposed by Frederick County Sheriff James Hagy. He said the Maryland Police Training Commission and sheriffs throughout the state support the measure.

Hagy said Wednesday the bill would ensure that someone schooled in biological, chemical and radiological weapons is among the first responders to a terrorist attack.

"He obviously would bring an expertise to the table that we in law enforcement don't have," Hagy said.

Opponents say the proposal would blur the line between law enforcement and medical professionals.

"What will be next? Will our police officers be writing prescriptions for medications?" Frederick Mayor Jennifer Dougherty said.

MedChi, the state medical association, said county health officers already can order quarantines and detain people in cases of infectious disease outbreaks.

"The issue here is whether this proposal fits with the existing authorities, and whether or not it has the potential to be duplicative and problematic," MedChi Executive Director Michael Preston said.

The measure, Senate Bill 232, would authorize each county sheriff to appoint a physician as the county's medical adviser. The doctors could then take police training, conduct investigations and make arrests in cases involving biological weapons or other "catastrophic health emergencies."

Doctors serving in the post for more than one year would have to be certified by the police training commission.

The bill is sponsored by Frederick County Republicans David Brinkley and Alex Mooney, and Sen. Rob Garagiola, D-Montgomery. A hearing before the Judicial Proceedings Committee was set for Thursday.

Brinkley said he understands Hagy's interest in giving the medical advisers some police powers.

"I believe in certain circumstances, they need to have authority," Brinkley told The Frederick News-Post.

Hagy said he didn't know of any other state with similar legislation. He said critics who focus on the bill's police powers are missing the point of the legislation.

"It's turned into politics, which is tragic," he said.

[Semper Paratus]

Sounds like a winning TV show.

[Seruzawa]

I've had to change my daughter's Pediatrics doctors twice because they kept trying to force her on SSRIs, Ritalin, etc. She was "cured" of the nonexistent ADHD condition by placement in a private school. Imagine these two drug pushers with the right to arrest me for refusing to drug her. Imagine the anti-gun CDC croakers with police power.

No thanks.

[per loin]

Right idea, but wrong trade. Arm all plumbers!

[Stew Padasso]

Those are frightening prospects.

[Stew Padasso]

Yep - and it won't be long before ER (or some other stupid network show) "tackles" this issue.

[Rebelbase]

"Arm all plumbers!"

Bad idea. My plumber got my arm and now he's working on my leg.

[humblegunner]

Hagy said Wednesday the bill would ensure that someone schooled in biological, chemical and radiological weapons is among the first responders to a terrorist attack.

Open-carry for all Dangerous Goods Specialists!!!

[elbucko]

Sounds like a winning TV show.

LOL. That's about all isn't it? Sounds "High Concept" for the tube and a bad idea for reality.

[Ancesthntr]

I am disgusted by the attitude that some people are "super-citizens" with rights/privileges that no one else can obtain. I can understand - though completely disagree with - the proposition that only active police can carry guns. I get ticked off when CCH or an exception for possession of "assault rifles" is given to retired cops, but this is utter BS. The doctor is just like the retired cop, the teacher, the carpenter, the student, the lawyer, the waiter, etc. - i.e. a common citizen. They should ALL be able to carry - or none of them. Maybe then the retired cops will realize what it is like to live in a police state, and help get the laws changed for the better.

You know who I want to be a first responder: someone with a gun, in case the terrorist scum are still around and planning more murder and mayhem. If the doctors are being used to treat victims of a chem or biological attack, they'll be too busy doing that to worry about handling a gun - and you don't need medical training to be able to handle a gun, either.

The "super-citizen" trend has to be stopped in its tracks. I'd rather see a state's laws allow NO ONE outside of the active duty police to carry, than to make an exception for retired cops, doctors, etc. What ever happened to "Equal Protection?"

[Jonah Hex]

"I never carry weapons. If people see you mean them no harm, they never hurt you. Nine times out of ten..."

"And how many times has that worked for you, Doctor?"

"Oh... about nine times so far. Hmm.. yes... I see your point."

[Redcoat LI]

How about arming Phd's?

[12GA]

Very bad idea. I doubt they'd be able to carry concealed. ;-)

[Still Thinking]

How about arming everyone EXCEPT politicians?

[Jagdgewehr]

How about arming everyone EXCEPT politicians?

That works for me.

[Chewbacca]

Weren't doctor the ones claiming that gun ownership was a health hazard?

Why would doctors be risking their health when they have been pushing disarmament of the public.

That would be hypocracy.

[ibbryn]

I don't like the idea of "super-citizens" either but I see this going the other way.
Citizens already have the power of arrest. This just opens up another group of citizens who will be able to get CCW with little BS.
I know its not working yet, but I'm hoping the restrictive states open up CCW to pilots, doctors, retired LEO, legislators, their drivers, etc.
At some point the public will realize their is an equal protection problem and open this up to all citizens.
No super-citizens, but isn't this is a very small step toward providing equal rights to all citizens?

[Stew Padasso]

Yes they were. I cannot recall the organization representing the doctors???

[Rebelbase]

They'd have to carry concealed around their ankle.