People generally recognize law enforcement officers by their marked cruisers and uniforms, which include the display of symbols of authority—a badge and a gun. The public expects officers to be comfortable carrying a sidearm and to exercise precision and sound judgment when using it. officers are responsible for ensuring the safety and protection of citizens and, thus, expected to provide a calming presence. This is true when they are on duty, but does this extend to off-duty hours when there are no outward signs of authority?
The U.S. Congress has determined that in a post-9/11 world, the public is better served when off-duty officers are in a position to effectively respond in the face of a threat. To this end, the Law Enforcement officers Safety Act of 2004 (LEOSA) allows officers to carry concealed weapons not only in their jurisdictions but in all 50 states, and the territories of the United States, provided certain conditions are met. This article will explore LEOSA, address federal statutory limitations regarding firearms possession, and summarize a short legal history of the Second Amendment concerning the right to bear arms
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DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
6 comments:
We would be even safer if every law abiding citizen were issued a carry permit, open or concealed.
I hope one day MD will be a ccw state. I know I would feel better.
MD is CCW state.... You just have to jump thru a few hoops. I do have a MD CCW permit.
7:44 must have kissed a whole bunch of a-- to get a ccw permit cause they are just about non-existant here!
Don't forget the retired officers who possess the Leosa Permit such as myself and right off the top of my head I can think of at least 20 local retired officers who are now carrying.Personally when I retired I had NO desire to carry a handgun again but times being what they are,well unfortunately a handgun is now like an American Express Card I don't leave home without it.The Maryland State Police Handgun Permit Unit is a complete can of worms an they are part of the problem,the Liberals and Concealed Carry opponents have made the criteria for getting a permit a real headache.My advice,apply,if not received,if you qualify, according to the application,in a reasonable period of time,say 60 days,I'd flood the Handgun Unit and Maryland State Police Headquarters with written complaints.Further contact your elected representatives to introduce legislation to speed up the process.Political differences aside Delegate Mike McDermitt is very pro Second Amendment contact him.But remember this,First be well versed in the use of a firearm before you carry,and Second be familiar when you can use it.
Just the Ramblings of an Old Retired Cop
Dear "Old Retired Cop",
I too hold the LEOSA certification and share your thoughts on the matter. Our brethren in Pikesville have recently decided to no longer be involved in the process with the exception of their own retired troopers. So the rest of us will now have to seek certification from our local jurisdictions.
Funny you should mention Mike McDermott. He is a certified instructor and, if you're a Worcester resident, is only too happy to run ya through the range requirements and sign off on a new certification the Worcester Co. Sheriffs will now issue.
The "10 Ring rules!"
Craig Theobald
Ironshire
(The proud owner of a new JUDGE!
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