National Association of Chiefs of Police Strongly Supports CCW

June 15, 2004
Insight Magazine

The National Association of Chiefs of Police recently released its 16th Annual Survey of Police Chiefs and Sheriffs and, according to Vice President and Public Affairs Specialist Jim Kouri, some of the survey findings are surprising and compelling.

"The survey had some surprising results on topics including terrorism, gun control, homeland security, drug enforcement and others," says Kouri.

With regard to private citizens owning firearms for sport or self-defense, 94 percent of the respondents supported civilian gun-ownership rights. Ninety-six percent of the police chiefs and sheriffs believe criminals obtain firearms from illegal sources and 91 percent revealed they hadn't arrested anyone for violation of the so-called "waiting period" laws.

When asked if they opposed citizens obtaining concealed-weapons permits, only 34 percent said yes.

Commentary:
66% of the nation's police chiefs, most from states who have had experience with such laws for years and years, continue to support concealed carry laws.

So what is wrong with the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police? Not only did that organization oppose House Bill 12 and every piece of legislation before it that saught to restore Ohioans self-defense rights, but even now it is arguing that off-duty police officers must adhere to all the restrictions that Ohio citizens with CHLs must obey, including forcing officers to disarm before entering businesses which post "no-guns" signs.

Ohio FOP State Secretary and Legislative Chairman Mike Taylor has expressed the state FOP's disagreement with the OACP's position. According to FOP President Bill Capretta, Ohio Attorney General Jim Petro agrees with the FOP's position.

Nevertheless, businesses on the Do Not Patronize While Armed list need to be aware that they are not just disarming customers at the door, but also at least some law enforcement officers, all thanks for an Ohio Chiefs of Police Association that is out of step with the large majority of our nation's law enforcement.

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