Handgun Permits and Local Law Enforcement

There are over 137,000 Tennesseans with a HCP, of who over 6,000 are women. In Cocke County, 870 residents are licensed to carry. Combine these numbers with the fact that Tennessee has reciprocity agreements with 11 states (meaning that a formal agreement of permit recognition exists between TN and these states) and 15 states with recognition without the need of formal agreements, which means a lot of people are potentially legally carrying a handgun at any given time. Not a bad thing, as study after study has shown that as legal carry increases, crime decreases. And Tennessee is recognized as having one of the best handgun carry permit courses in the nation.

To Quote Charlie Daniels in his book Ain’t No Rag Freedom, Family and the Flag: “It takes a dedicated and brave person to be a police officer. They stand against tremendous odds…If you don’t like the police, the next time you’re in danger call a lawyer.”

The question is, How well trained are our local officers in general and in dealing with HCP holders specifically?

According to Newport Chief of Police, J. Maurice Shults all officers are required to attend 40 hours of in service training each year. This includes sessions with District Attorney General, Jimmy Dunn, concerning new laws or updates to existing laws. It also includes Emergency Vehicle Operations Training, firearms training, CPR, and interacting in various situations involving mentally or physically challenged individuals. Also covered are actions concerning domestic disputes and cultural differences. Cultural differences of the people who come to East Tenn. include not only different nationalities, but also people from different parts of the U.S. If one officer fails to complete this training and the department was to continue to schedule the officer, the entire force could be decertified. Additionally there is ongoing training as the department receives periodic updates concerning DUI’s, narcotics, and court rulings.

Public relations training is constant, daily contact with citizens and a formal structure within the police department includes positive and corrective counseling, oral and written. There is a remedial training program for any area an officer may be deficient in. For the HCP specifically, an advantage that the NPD has is that one of its officers is also a HCP instructor/tester.

And who are the people who carry? Asking a woman who has a HCP, why do you feel it is necessary or beneficial to have a HCP?

“One reason is work related. I carry a large amount of cash from my place of work to the bank to make deposits. I feel safer with a handgun and having a permit is necessary to carry legally. Also, as a woman often on the road alone or with children it is necessary if you need to protect yourself or your loved ones.”

And a man’s view: “If you carry a handgun for personal or family protection you have to have a permit to legally carry. The legal system has been tilted to benefit the criminals instead of honest citizens and police. Criminals do not view the judicial system as a deterrent to committing criminal acts. It is a matter of safety in a crime laden society.”