Ending the permit requirement for carrying a concealed weapon will take a tool away from law enforcement officers, says criminal justice expert Rafael Goyeneche.
Goyeneche says proactive police patrols use firearms enforcement as a way to get guns away from criminals.
"That is something that can be an effective strategy in certain parts of town, like the French Quarter, and some of the festivals and along parade routes," Goyeneche told WWL's Newell Normand. "Officers are trained too lock for the outline of a weapon under someone's clothing."
Goyeneche said cops can then ask a person to show their permit, and if they don't have one, make a misdemeanor arrest.
"Those misdemeanor investigations that proceed to misdemeanor arrests often are the portal to developing information about felony arrests," Goyeneche explained.
Goyeneche says lawmakers could inadvertently kneecap police in getting criminals behind bars before they do something even worse.
"This strategy may be threatened during this special crime session," he said. "You're essentially taking and removing this tool away from law enforcement."
Goyeneche said proactive patrols focused on firearms enforcement have helped reduce the crime rate.