Jefferson Parish Sheriff Joe Lopinto joined WWL's Newell Normand to talk about juvenile crime, incarceration alternatives, and concealed gun permits.
The Louisiana legislature is considering making a constitutional right to carry a gun, which Lopinto said 'isn't the smartest idea.' If it passes, the measure would recognize the right of any law-abiding adult who is at least 18 years old to carry a concealed firearm without a permit.
"The problem is, what I don't like about it, is when you use that gun you want as much training (as possible)" Lopinito said, adding the bill doesn't necessarily allow for that. On the other hand he added that if it passes, the bill won't bring 'all kind of bloodshed.'
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Lopinto used his wife as an example of someone who would be able to carry a gun if the bill passes, but wouldn't necessarily know the right thing to do when confronted by someone who was either a criminal -- or a homeless person.
If you own a gun and open fire, you need expertise and training to avoid doing something that lands you in jail and the bill doesn't allow for that, he said.