Columbus Dispatch: Conceal-carry bill’s backers, foes square off

The Columbus Dispatch has printed an excellent story on yesterday's Senate hearing on HB12, complete with a photo of Gahanna Police Chief Dennis Murphy, and Deputy Chief Larry Rinehart, both of whom SUPPORT HB12.

Ohioans should be able to arm themselves against criminals who have no regard for human life or the law, state senators were told yesterday by the deputy police chief of Gahanna, whose sister was murdered two years ago by her estranged husband.

"Criminals carry guns, and they don’t give a hoot what goes on in these chambers,’’ Larry Rinehart told the Senate Judiciary Committee on Criminal Justice, which is considering legislation permitting Ohioans to carry concealed weapons under limited conditions. "Those law-abiding citizens deserve the right to arm themselves.’’

Rinehart’s testimony in favor of House Bill 12 contrasted with the position taken by the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police, which consistently has fought the conceal-carry proposal.

A number of women testified that they need a conceal-carry law to protect themselves. They were supported by Rinehart and Gahanna Police Chief Dennis Murphy, who said they would welcome civilians’ help in busting criminals.

"I cannot guarantee the safety of any citizens of Gahanna,’’ Rinehart said. "Safety is a right and responsibility of the individual. Conceal-and-carry is a tool to be used in an emergency.’’

One of the major issues in the battle over the gun bill is whether drivers should have loaded weapons on the seat beside them. Proponents say they need quick access to thwart an assailant. But the State Highway Patrol has insisted that any handgun be locked in a compartment, such as the glove box.

Rinehart said he was told by relatives in San Antonio that they have concealed weapons and carry them while driving to foil would-be carjackers and robbers.

"They said the only time they’re vulnerable is when they’re in their cars, driving around mall parking lots or sitting at traffic lights,’’ he said.

The Gahanna officers said they would feel no less safe with a concealed-weapons law because any law-enforcement officer approaching a car assumes there is a gun inside until proven otherwise.

Click here to read the entire story (subscription site - paid access only), or click on the "Read More..." link below for an archived version, with OFCC PAC commentary inserted.

OFCC PAC Commentary inserted in blue.

Conceal-carry bill's backers, foes square off
Wednesday, May 21, 2003
Lee Leonard
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

Ohioans should be able to arm themselves against criminals who have no regard
for human life or the law, state senators were told yesterday by the deputy
police chief of Gahanna, whose sister was murdered two years ago by her
estranged husband.

"Criminals carry guns, and they don't give a hoot what goes on in these
chambers,'' Larry Rinehart told the Senate Judiciary Committee on Criminal
Justice, which is considering legislation permitting Ohioans to carry concealed
weapons under limited conditions. "Those law-abiding citizens deserve the right
to arm themselves.''

Rinehart's testimony in favor of House Bill 12 contrasted with the position
taken by the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police, which consistently has
fought the conceal-carry proposal.

John Gilchrist, executive director of the group, was not among the dozen
witnesses yesterday, but he has said in the past that allowing Ohioans to carry
concealed weapons poses a danger to police officers.

Gilcrest DID submit written testimony opposing HB12 yesterday, and was scheduled to testify. But when he was called to the podium by Chairman Austria, he was not present. Perhaps the Gahanna PD, who testified immediately prior to Gilcrest's scheduled slot, took the wind out of his rhetoric?

Some other opponents told the committee the bill would lead to a proliferation
of guns, and still others oppose the measure as too strict. They want to be
able to carry weapons without mandatory training or licensing.

A number of women testified that they need a conceal-carry law to protect
themselves. They were supported by Rinehart and Gahanna Police Chief Dennis
Murphy, who said they would welcome civilians' help in busting criminals.

"I cannot guarantee the safety of any citizens of Gahanna,'' Rinehart said. "Safety is a right and responsibility of the individual. Conceal-and-carry is a tool to be used in an emergency.''

Rinehart said he was told by relatives in San Antonio that they have concealed
weapons and carry them while driving to foil would-be carjackers and robbers.

"They said the only time they're vulnerable is when they're in their cars, driving around mall parking lots or sitting at traffic lights,'' he said.

One of the major issues in the battle over the gun bill is whether drivers should have loaded weapons on the seat beside them. Proponents say they need quick access to thwart an assailant. But the State Highway Patrol has insisted that any handgun be locked in a compartment, such as the glove box.

The Gahanna officers said they would feel no less safe with a concealed-weapons
law because any law-enforcement officer approaching a car assumes there is a
gun inside until proven otherwise.

"Right now, every police officer that makes traffic stops better expect (a motorist) to have a gun in the car,'' Rinehart said. "It's taught at the (police training) academy.''

Murphy also expressed no fear. He said more criminals would skirt the law than
law-abiding citizens.

But Kenneth J. Steinman, assistant professor at Ohio State University's School
of Public Health, said claims of crime-stopping individuals carrying concealed handguns are exaggerated.

Steinman, who said he was testifying as a "concerned citizen'' and not for the
university, said a conceal-carry law will do nothing to reduce violent crime, and might even increase it.

He said Ohio's rate of gun-related homicides is lower than surrounding states',
and that it's foolish to predict the effect of conceal-carry based on other states' experiences.

It is interesting to note that Prof. Steinman focused on gun-related homicides in his claim that CCW hasn't helped our surrounding states. The major issue with CCW laws and crime is how they impact violent crimes. In questioning, Sen. Schuring got Prof. Steinman to concede there is empirical evidence which goes both ways. "At the end of the day," Sen. Schuring to Steinman, "the decision to defend oneself needs to be up to the individual, which is our goal." Akron University Prof. Brian F. Pendleton, PhD, has submitted his own findings on how Ohio will change after passage of HB12. Click here to read his entire study, which he has submitted as written testimony to the Senate committee.

Steinman was joined in his opposition by advocates of an unrestricted Vermont-
style gun bill. House Bill 12 requires a criminal background check, including
fingerprinting, and 12 hours of training including firing practice.

Doug Joseph, executive director of the Ohio Gun Rights Coalition, said the background check and fingerprinting violate an individual's right to privacy and constitutional rights.

Both the Dispatch and Joseph got this wrong. As passed by the House, HB12 does NOT EVER require fingerprints.

Sec. 311.41. (A)(1) states clearly that "if an applicant fails to pass an initial background check, based on providing their social security number, and if they wish to continue the process of receiving a license, they may voluntarily choose whether or not to submit fingerprints for a more in-depth check.

Sec. 311.41. (A)(2) states that "If a criminal records check conducted under division (A)(1) of this section using the applicant's name, social security
number, and date of birth that are stated in the application indicates that the applicant may fail to meet any of the criteria
described in division (D)(1) of section 2923.125 of the Revised Code and if the applicant wishes to proceed with the application, the sheriff shall conduct further investigation to determine
whether the applicant meets all of the criteria described in that division. If the applicant previously has not done so, the applicant shall allow the sheriff to obtain the fingerprints of not more
than four fingers of the applicant.(emphasis added)

Joseph told senators he would rather have no bill than the restrictive H.B. 12. He said the Ohio Supreme Court later this year might overturn Ohio's existing ban on concealed weapons, which would give Ohioans an unfettered right to carry
concealed handguns.

Merianne Sanderson, a single mother who owns a gift shop in Cincinnati, called
for passage of the bill.

"I need to take responsibility for defending myself and my family,'' she said. "We're not dealing with a 'guy' thing here. I feel the citizens of Ohio need the right to protect themselves. The police are not my personal bodyguards.''

But Eleanor W. Helper of Columbus, whose daughter Susan was injured by a gunman
this month at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, opposed the bill.

"I think this increases the probability of gun violence,'' she said.

While we regret the CWRU shooting, and have made every attempt to avoid politicizing it, they just won't stop. Out of respect, no Senator asked, but at the end of her testimony, the unasked question was screaming to everyone in the room: Since the 22,000+ existing gun laws prevent Mr. Halder from committing his crime, why do you think continuing to deny law-abiding Ohioans' right to self-defense would, Ms. Helper?