On the Issue : Searching For Answers on Gun Permits

Two weeks ago, the state Assembly passed a bill to vastly expand the availability of concealed handgun permits.

Now, concealed handgun permits are issued at the discretion of local sheriffs and police chiefs. Under the new proposed bill, permits would be denied only under specific circumstances as with convicted felons or those whom police believe to be violent.

Gun advocates say the bill offers a fairer system. But critics say it only invites disaster, flooding the streets with thousands of new weapons.

Should concealed gun permits be made more available?

Assemblyman William J. “Pete” Knight (R-Palmdale), sponsor of the legislation:

“People in my district have talked to me, saying they could not get [a permit] and were concerned about protecting their business and their families, so I decided to put the bill in.”

Assemblyman Richard Katz (D-Sylmar):

“Most guns kept in the home either wind up being stolen or shooting a family member . . . I take my cue from the men and women in the police. . . . I’m hoping that the Senate shows more restraint and listens to law enforcement and defeats it.”

Assemblyman James Rogan (R-Glendale):

“[The legislation] substantially cuts the amount of crime and it gives people the opportunity to protect themselves. . . . The idea where we have treated gun owners as the culprits instead of the criminals has been an abysmal failure.”

Bill Hemby, lobbyist for the California Organization of Police and Sheriffs:

“Police officers are going to have to treat everyone they stop on the streets as a person who is carrying a concealed weapon . . . [And if] you get into a situation and someone takes your parking space and words are exchanged, it’s our concern that these types of incidents are going to escalate into someone going for their gun.”

Carolyn Herbertson, director of public affairs for Gun Owners of California:

“Don’t take away my right to self-defense. Give me something that will help me stop [criminals] in their tracks. . . . If you’re going to pepper spray someone, that means someone has to get too close to you . . . To me this is the ultimate women’s issue.”

Sandy Cooney, western regional director of Handgun Control Inc.:

“This is a concerted effort on the part of gun manufacturers to find a new market to sell handguns. . . . There is no question the manufacturers knew about this and wanted to find a way to expand the market.”

Steve Helsley, California state liaison, National Rifle Assn.:

“The point is that law-abiding citizens carrying a firearm for self-defense are not now and will not be a threat to law enforcement.”

Patricia O’Donnell Brummett, Cal State Northridge professor of sociology who studies violent crime:

“Each illegal gun starts as a legal gun. . . . It is frightening to think of increasing numbers of people carrying concealed weapons. Many crimes of violence are crimes of passion. With a gun at hand, the level of violence will increase--there will be no period for cooling off.”