Opposition to Conceal Carry Reciprocity Legislation

Submitted by: Firearms Committee

FC.007.t2017

WHEREAS, the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA) of 2004 enables retired law enforcement officers to carry a concealed weapon throughout the United States; and

WHEREAS, LEOSA requires retired police officers to receive annual training and qualifications; and

WHEREAS, bills introduced in Congress could give concealed carry authority to untrained and unqualified people this same authority; and

WHEREAS, allowing untrained persons who have no familiarity with a handgun or the mechanical and legal complexities involved with using a handgun and allowing them to carry one in public is irresponsible; and

WHEREAS, it is a concern that individual states that have mandated training requirements for carrying a concealed weapon be forced to accept the concealed carry permits of persons from states that have no requirements whatsoever; and

WHEREAS, such an action puts the general public, the person carrying a firearm, and our law enforcement officers required to respond to the consequences at risk; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the responsibility of carrying a concealed weapon should include a minimum of familiarization and training with the weapon carried, basic instruction on the fundamentals of carrying a concealed weapon, and understanding of when the use of a concealed weapon is legal and/or advisable; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the International Association of Chiefs of Police opposes Congressional bills similar to the 115^th Congress' HR. 38 that provide concealed carry permit holders with immunity from arrest or detention for violation of any law or any rule or regulation of a state or any political subdivision thereof related to the possession, transportation, or carrying of firearms.