On Wednesday, the Louisiana Senate will debate a package of bills that would allow people to carry concealed guns without a permit. Supporters of the permitless concealed carry bills says those laws would allow law-abiding citizens to stop crime when it happens. Opponents, including some in law enforcement, say crime actually went up in other states that allowed concealed carry without a permit.
Former New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Ronal Serpas says ultimately law enforcement must bend to the will of the legislature whether or not they like the law.
"Essentially what police chiefs have long said and what I've said is that if a legislature makes that choice, then it's up to us in the executive branch to carry it out," Serpas said to WWL's Tommy Tucker. "We can give information, but it's going to be their choice."
Serpas says that no matter how law enforcement officials feel about the concealed carry law, it will be their obligation to carry out the law if it's passed.
"Law enforcement is just supposed to enforce what the legislature wants," Serpas said, noting that, during his time as Nashville police chief, he strongly opposed a Tennessee law that allows people to carry guns into bars. "If that's what the legislature's elected to do, to impose the people's will and law and that's what they want, then we have to find a way to do it."
Serpas says regardless of the law, it's common sense for gun owners to get concealed carry training.
"I would think that anyone who wants to possess a concealed carry legally to protect themselves should advantage themselves of understanding the weapons--how to feel them, how to work them, (and) how to use them," Serpas said. "Maybe they already know, and that's good, but people who don't, I would strongly recommend they learn how to do so and how to do so safely."
Supporters of the permitless concealed carry bills says those laws would allow law-abiding citizens to stop crime when it happens.
Opponents say crime actually went up in other states that allowed concealed carry without a permit.
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