Florida lawmakers appear on the brink of passing a bill allowing citizens to carry concealed weapons without a permit. The state's law enforcement associations think that's a good idea but Leon County's top law enforcers aren't enthusiastic supporters.
Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell believes anyone who owns a firearm needs to be a responsible gun owner, even if they no longer need a state concealed carry permit, which includes minimal firearm training.
"Locking your vehicle. Taking your gun out of your vehicle so that someone doesn't steal your gun out of your unlocked vehicle. But it also means training and being proficient with that gun so if you're ever forced to use it, you'll use it correctly."
Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil has even fewer words when asked if he likes the "no permit" proposal.
"No!"
And Second Judicial Circuit State Attorney Jack Campbell takes a dim view of the bill as well. He fears it will complicate life for officers and possibly lead to more routine disputes escalating to shoot-outs. But Florida's State Attorney Association, as well as the state's Sheriff's and Police Chiefs associations favor no-permit carry. Revell, McNeil and Campbell appeared at Tuesday's Capital Tiger Bay Club luncheon.
