The Ohio Fraternal Order of Police has come out opposed to the changes Senate Bill 239 would enact, such as removing restrictions currently in place for transporting a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle if you have a concealed handgun license and removing the blanket ban on carrying in an establishment that serves liquor even if you're not drinking.
"I am kind appalled that they keep coming back and back to these issues that have already been heavily discussed," said Mark Drum of the FOP. "It just comes down to the fact that these are absolutely huge safety issues for law enforcement everywhere."
Under current Ohio law, transporting a loaded handgun in a motor vehicle is only allowed if you have a concealed handgun license and...
- The loaded handgun is in a holster secured on the person.
- The loaded handgun is in a closed case, bag, box, or other container that is in plain sight and that has a lid, a cover, or a closing mechanism with a zipper, snap, or buckle, which lid, cover or closing mechanism must be opened for a person to gain access to the handgun, or
- The loaded handgun is securely encased by being stored in a closed, glove compartment or console, or in a case that is locked.
Many people choose to carry a small handgun in a coat pocket, for example. That is perfectly legal until you get into a car, then it is a felony. A woman can carry a handgun in her purse with no problem, but if she sets her purse on the floor and tosses her coat over it she's committing a felony because the purse isn't in plain sight. How does any of that make things safer for law enforcement?
The arguments against Restaurant Carry are absurd. Every state surrounding Ohio allows it, as does approximately 40 states altogether. It is more of a hazard to law enforcement that a concealed handgun licensee is required to leave his or her firearm in the car when they go into a nice restaurant to eat where it is vulnerable to theft.
"The decision six years ago to allow law-abiding Ohioans to carry concealed weapons has not turned our state into the Wild West," said Shannon Jones, one of the sponsors of the bill. "We have not experienced the predictions of lawlessness that some claimed would come true."
Every other dire prediction about Ohio's concealed carry laws has not come true. The "concerns" about this bill will not come to pass either if the bill is enacted. Concealed handgun licensees are not the problem and are not the ones who pose a threat to law enforcement. They should have these cumbersome restrictions removed to put an end to accidental felonies being committed due to a technical violation of a confusing law.
Further reading:
One Ohio newspaper says 'it's not broke don't fix it' of Ohio's gun laws
Bill for restaurant carry and vehicle gun transport reform introduced in Ohio
Testifying for gun rights in the Ohio legislature
Comments
I do agree partially with the FOP. Guns and booze do not mix, but as far as in the car, Officers should always assume there is a loaded gun in any car they stop. If cops aren't doing that, it is much more of a safety concern than allowing guns in cars.
Oh, and for those of you that are asking, "What the hell do you know about it?". I'm a retired cop.
Mark Drum is anti-gun. His officers, at least the ones I know, are not with him. I sent him an email during the Heller case and he wouldn't answer me, but had one of his local presidents call me who was on our side. Go figure
John,
Your right, guns and booze don't mix. That's why it is illegal to carry under the influence.
It doesn't matter how much alcohol the guy across the room drinks, my mental judgment will not be impaired by that person drinking...
All right then fine lets make it fair from now on no law enforcement officer off duty can carry in a restraunt that serves booze either some of them think thay should be the onely ones that should carry a gun when a lot of people out there with ccw has more training with firearms then thay do.
John, you're a retired cop, whereas I'm just tired of cops. Never did have a lot of use for crybabies. That seems to be all we get behind the badge now. Crybaby killers.
Having been associated with the FOP in the past I can tell you that the national leadership has always been way left of it's membership. They've always supported every gun control measure ever presented for their approval or endorsement. If there's an instance wherein this didn't occur, I don't remember it.
some cops support protect and defend the Constitution and Bill of Rights and some think that they have taken an oath of personal loyalty to the political class. The political class really likes this and does nothing to discourage the concept. In fact promotions can be a fickle thing if you don't show the proper attitude and belief system.
Think we got a problem? Oh yeah...
Sounds like the FOP membership needs to change their national leadership so as to be more in line with thinking of it's members. What these national leaders do and say is a direct relationship with how citizens think all law enforcement officers think.
No URLs, you loose!
Bob W. They are already prohibited.But many police officers have a reading disorder I term comma-period confusion.
Here is 2923.121 (B)(1) This section does not apply to any of the following:
B (a) An officer, agent, or employee of this or any other state or the United States, or to a law enforcement officer, who is authorized to carry firearms and is acting within the scope of the officer’s, agent’s, or employee’s duties;
This is what most see due to their reading disability.
(a) An officer, agent, or employee of this or any other state or the United States, or to a law enforcement officer.
They see the section that allows an exemption from the law but not the conditions which allows the exemption.
So unless they are investigating a crime,working undercover or special duty,the way I read the law they have no right to carry a handgun just like the rest of us.
But who is going to arrest them ? not the officer that did the same thing last
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