Gun bill change worries police

[SecularMotion]

Massachusetts police chiefs, Boston Police Commissioner William B. Evans, and members of gun violence prevention groups plan to speak out Tuesday against action by the state Senate that takes away police discretion when issuing certain firearm ID cards.

The law enforcement leaders will hold a press conference at the State House to call attention to a provision that was dropped from a gun control bill last week by the Senate.

That provision would have given police chiefs discretion when issuing firearm identification cards for rifles and shotguns. The bill with that language initially passed the Massachusetts House, but was amended by a 28-10 vote in the Senate.

A House-Senate conference committee will review the bill and seek a compromise.

http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2014/07/21/police-chiefs-and-anti-gun-violence-group-members-gather-state-house-speak-out-gun-law-change/ocoGa5vnXfSC4KqdrHnZmJ/story.html

[Straw Man]

1. Some police brass oppose anything that limits their power.

Wouldn't it be nice for them if their whims and prejudices had the force of law?

[VScott]

3. Why should they care?

Footing the bill for the cost of the legal challenge isn't coming out of their pockets.

[sarisataka]

2. Why does the article claim

It is taking power away from police when it goes on to seemingly explain that they don't have that authority now?

[hack89]

4. Too fucking bad

why should police chiefs be the final deciders as to what civil rights I may exercise?

[friendly_iconoclast]

15. +1. Could not have said it better myself

I highly recommend reading the comments at the link- the authoritarian whining gets
thoughly sliced, diced, and julienned...

[DonP]

5. Well, maybe we should listen to some senior police officials?

Detroit police chief gives credit to armed citizens for drop in crime

Detroit has experienced 37 percent fewer robberies in 2014 than during the same period last year, 22 percent fewer break-ins of businesses and homes, and 30 percent fewer carjackings. Craig attributed the drop to better police work and criminals being reluctant to prey on citizens who may be carrying guns.

“Criminals are getting the message that good Detroiters are armed and will use that weapon,” said Craig, who has repeatedly said he believes armed citizens deter crime. “I don’t want to take away from the good work our investigators are doing, but I think part of the drop in crime, and robberies in particular, is because criminals are thinking twice that citizens could be armed.

“I can’t say what specific percentage is caused by this, but there’s no question in my mind it has had an effect,” Craig said.

Bill Welborne, 80, a former Tuskegee Airman and Korean War veteran, said he agreed with Craig.

“I have a pistol and a shotgun,” said Welborne, who wasn’t home 15 years ago when burglars broke into his west side house and stole his coin collection. “Without a doubt, if my life is in danger, I wouldn’t hesitate to shoot.”

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20140716/METRO01/307160034

[DashOneBravo]

6. Question

What is a firearms ID card? We don't have them here.

When we go to the gun store they do a background check and that's the end of it.

[SecularMotion]

7. No FID cards?

Do you live in a third world country?

[blueridge3210]

8. No, just a civilized one

where the government trusts the citizens to be armed.

[Eleanors38]

9. "third world country?" Like Vermont?

[Duckhunter935]

10. so you are calling the USA third world

Do not need a card in this state, just pass a background check if I buy from and FFL at a store or a gun show or purchased on the internets.

[hack89]

11. Very few states have FIDs nt

[IronGate]

13. FID?

None here either nor register our firearms, and guess what? I live in the US, not some 3rd world shithole.

[oneshooter]

16. We live in the same"third world country" as you do. n/t

[IronGate]

12. We don't have any FOID cards either, no registration of firearms also.

[DashOneBravo]

14. ID cards

Some of you guys are oppressed for sure.

What purpose does it serve other than a money maker for the state? Can you purchase a firearm without a background check?