F.U.D Factor – Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt. The Police Chief’s Association here in NH has made all too clear that they hate the idea that law abiding citizens no longer have to come before them on bended knee to ask permission to wear a coat over a gun worn at one’s hip. Here, Laconia Police Chief make it QUITE clear – he (and others) don’t trust us:
“I’m opposed to it,” said Laconia Police Chief Chris Adams. The process for acquiring a concealed carry permit, he said, “gives an added level of protection.” Adams said he has processed hundreds of concealed carry permits per year since he became chief, and has only declined a handful of applications. He might deny an application because of mental health problems or the applicant’s criminal history, especially regarding drug use or sales.
Or, like in the case documented here on GraniteGrok, denied a license simply because Michelle Levell (current Chair of the NH Womens Defense League) refused to put more information on the Pistol/Revolver license application than legally required. Not because of a criminal history, not because of mental illness – the power-went-to-his-head chief decided his requirements trumped that of the legal form. Paperwork. And cost Michelle thousands in court fees just for the judge to yell at said chief.
Back to Adams, the Laconia Chief. Now, either before or after the passage of SB12, there was no legal requirement to inform the police, if stopped, if you were packing. None at all. So what is his parting words on the subject?
Yep – no more of that “Lyin’ Ray” Buckley “tracking guns” by law enforcement (which is illegal in and of itself – the “trading around” of the approved and signed NH Pistol / Revolver licenses):
With more people likely to be carrying a concealed weapon, Adams said those people should be aware that, though they are within their legal rights to have a hidden firearm, they should be aware of how it could affect a situation, especially if it suddenly becomes revealed. He suggested that people with a weapon, should they interact with a police officer, make sure the officer knows that the firearm is present and ask the officer how he or she would like to proceed. “If they don’t tell them, and then they see the weapon, it could cause some concern,” said Adams.
He admitted earlier in the article that his officers are trained to automatically assume that the person they stop is armed. If the officer is worth his salt, he’s going to ask up front at which point the law abiding concealed carrying adult (with the license or with their COnstitutional Right) will tell the truth. I really don’t like the innuendo that Adams leaves out there. Even if the officer doesn’t as first, if it is “revealed”, a simple question should take care of it.
I’ve been stopped twice in my life – once about 35 years ago (crossing the double yellow line headed to a Wang Labs intra-company B-ball league game as the person in front of me went 20 mph until the passing area was reached – then 60mph; 5 times. I earned the ticket). The second a couple of years ago on Concord Main Street (pre urban prettification) turning left to nab a parking spot. This latter time, I was packing and had my license. Yep, MOLON LABE on the back window. The officer, slightly ticked, never asked and I didn’t offer, as he wrote out the ticket (yup, earned that one too).
Sorry, Chief, but I wouldn’t offer until asked – but then I’d tell the truth to what would be a lawful request. But only then. Y’alls mileage on this will vary.
(H/T: Laconia Citizen)
