Cops could check traffic stops for concealed carry permitsTODD RICHMOND
MADISON, Wis. - Police could check whether owners of cars they stop are carrying concealed weapons under a new provision Republicans tucked into a bill that would let Wisconsin residents carry hidden weapons.
Under the provision, officers also could face charges if they draw their own sidearm on motorists simply because they have a concealed carry permit.
The bill's sponsors say the amendment eliminates police lobbying organizations' major hang-ups with the bill while protecting concealed carry permit holders' safety and privacy.
"This was the biggest issue for law enforcement," said Rep. Scott Gunderson, R-Waterford, one of the bill's main authors. "We've been working with law enforcement throughout the process to really bring them on board."
Under the amendment, whenever an officer runs the registration of a vehicle he stops, a screen would pop up alerting him if the owner has a permit to carry a concealed weapon, said Casey Perry, executive director of the Wisconsin Troopers Association.
"This way we would know before we approach the vehicle," Perry said. "We think it's a safety issue for the people that we stop, as well as the officers. It is major because it's a deal breaker for us."
The bill's creators have insisted the list of permit holders remain secret to ensure criminals don't prey on people who aren't carrying. Police groups say that would put officers in danger.
Under the amendment, an officer who pulls his weapon on a driver, forces them out of the car or makes them lie on the ground simply because they have a concealed carry permit could be found guilty of a misdemeanor, Gunderson said during a news conference Wednesday morning. Any officer caught running registrations just to find out who has permits or disclosing that information publicly also would face a misdemeanor.
Gunderson said the troopers association added the misdemeanor charges to the bill.
"We wanted to make sure there was no abuse," Gunderson said.
The GOP-controlled legislative Joint Finance Committee was expected to vote on the full bill later Wednesday.
The bill's opponents denounced the amendment as a trick to convince swing lawmakers carrying concealed weapons is safe.
"They can tweak this bill all they want, and it will still be a ridiculous and dangerous piece of legislation," Jeri Bonavia, executive director of the Wisconsin Anti-Violence Effort, a statewide group that works to reduce gun violence, said in a statement.
Debate has raged at the Capitol over the concealed carry bill. The legislation would allow Wisconsin residents who pass firearms training and obtain permits to carry concealed handguns, knives and billy clubs in most public places. The few exceptions include schools, taverns, and police stations.
The GOP, pushed by National Rifle Association lobbyists, passed similar legislation in 2003, saying people should be allowed to shoot criminals who attack them.
Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle vetoed it, saying the measure would jeopardize police officers' lives and allow guns in malls and libraries. The Republican-controlled Legislature fell short of overriding Doyle in early 2004.
Identical versions of the current bill are moving through both the Republican-controlled Senate and Assembly. The Legislature's Joint Finance Committee was scheduled to take them up Wednesday.
State Sen. Dave Zien, R-Eau Claire, another of the bill's sponsors, said the new police-notification clause will make the bill "veto-proof."
No, said Doyle spokeswoman Melanie Fonder.
"It doesn't change the fact the governor doesn't think people should be carrying weapons around," Fonder said.
Waukesha County District Attorney Paul Bucher said Wednesday he has joined four other district attorneys from around Wisconsin that support the amended bill, including Tom Storm of Fond du Lac County; Sandy Williams of Ozaukee County; Erik Peterson of Iowa County; and Ken Kratz of Calumet County.
http://www.duluthsuperior.com/mld/duluthsuperior/news/politics/13286567.htm*FW Note:I don't have a problem with cops who want to look after their own safety during traffic stops. I
do have a problem with cops who feel that they have license to abuse their authority by harassing and bullying honest citizens who are engaged in legal activities.
I also have a problem any chief executive of a state who wields his authority to oppress the people he is in office to serve. He needs to consider that his personal opinion is the least important factor regarding the performance of that job.
We need to remember who works for who, here.
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