GROUPS OPPOSE WEAPONS BILL\Police Commission, council call concealed-gun permits law 'a step\back'.Byline: Patrick McGreevy Daily News Staff Writer Saying more guns on Los Angeles streets would result in more violence, the Police Commission and City Council both voted unanimously Tuesday to oppose state legislation that would make it easier for people to get concealed-weapons permits. The California Assembly passed AB 638 by Assemblyman W.J. "Pete" Knight, R-Palmdale, last month despite strong opposition from law enforcement agencies A law enforcement agency (LEA) is a term used to describe any agency which enforces the law. This may be a local or state police, federal agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) or the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). . If approved by the Senate and signed by the governor, the law would require law enforcement agencies to issue a concealed-weapons permit to anyone over 21 who requests it, as long as he or she does not have a criminal record or history of mental illness. "At a time when we should be taking every step we possibly can to be getting weapons off of the street, AB 638 would move us in just the opposite direction by requiring local law enforcement officials to issue these permits for concealed weapons (Law) dangerous weapons so carried on the person as to be knowingly or willfully concealed from sight, - a practice forbidden by statute.<- in some states! -> See under Concealed. See also: Concealed Weapon ," said Councilman Mike Feuer. Forty people are authorized by Los Angeles Los Angeles (lôs ăn`jələs, lŏs, ăn`jəlēz'), city (1990 pop. 3,485,398), seat of Los Angeles co., S Calif.; inc. 1850. Police Chief Willie L. Williams Willie L. Williams (born 1 October, 1943) was chief of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) from 1992 to 1997, taking over after chief Daryl Gates' resignation following the 1992 Los Angeles riots. to carry concealed weapons - having shown a need for the permits, such as threats to their lives or that they carry large amounts of cash. According to according to prep. 1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians. 2. In keeping with: according to instructions. 3. estimates, there are approximately 400 people holding the concealed-weapons permits throughout the county, Feuer said. Proponents of the law have estimated that up to 400,000 county residents would get permits if the bill is passed. "I really think that would be a step back into the Wild West days," said Councilman Rudy Svorinich Rudy Svorinich (born 1960) is a Republican who served on the Los Angeles City Council representing the 15th district. A resident of San Pedro, his diverse district also includes the community of Watts. He was elected to the council in 1993 and served two full terns. Jr. Police Commissioner Art Mattox also said more guns would make law enforcement's job harder. "Guns are far too readily available now," he said. Knight aide Josh Lowery low·er·y also lour·y adj. Overcast; threatening. disputed the officials' concerns, calling them "utter nonsense," and "emotional hype." Lowery said law-abiding citizens will be better able to protect themselves against criminals. "I think it will have a deterrent effect on crime," he said. |
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