How My Viewpoint Changed On Concealed Weapons Law

As of Monday, August 20, 2012

By Gerald Galloway

Special to The Pilot

We are facing another challenge in our nation as we contemplate how to respond on the local, state and national levels to the actions of individuals using firearms to commit murders.

It is natural and expected that our legislative bodies at these levels would wonder how they might react to prevent such actions closer to home. Such responses should be guarded with reasonableness and full understanding of the consequences of any legislative actions.

I served as president of the North Carolina Association of Chiefs of Police in the 1990s when the North Carolina Legislature enacted the "concealed carry" (of firearms) law. We (the police chiefs) opposed the legislation because, at that time, we thought it was bad public policy.

We were very concerned about the safety of our officers and how this proposed legislation, if enacted, might affect their safety.

We were told that the legislation was going to be enacted, and we were invited to sit at the table to share our concerns as the legislation was being drafted. We did.

The law passed. I was contacted two years later by a member of the media and asked if our fears had become reality. I said, "Surprisingly, no." I believe our willingness to work with legislators and give our input resulted in acceptable public policy.

Despite the efforts of some legislators, there continue to be reservations and concerns that the "concealed carry" option is still bad public policy.

Having served as a sworn law-enforcement officer for more than 31 years, I wish I could say not to worry and that the police will always be there when you need them. Unfor-tunately, this is not reality.

We tried hard to deliver the highest level of service, and I believe law enforcement still does. I think we need to be cautious not to create a vigilante citizenry who take the law into their own hands.

However, the path to personal safety is a shared responsibility that includes law enforcement and each individual person. No law-abiding citizens should be restricted from protecting themselves and others - yes, even including the use of deadly force if necessary.

Whether it is action by town councils, state legislatures or Congress, when the need to respond arises, consider who you are helping and who you are hurting. No law restricting the freedom of innocent people to protect themselves will prevent psychopathic behavior or criminal activity. Law breakers don't care what the law is.

Any concerns should center on firearms education and appropriate legal knowledge of the use of this level of force. Concealed carry legislation provides for just that.

I have never been a member of the National Rifle Association, nor have I joined any other organization that promotes the use of firearms. However, my years of experience enforcing and overseeing the enforcement of the law have allowed me to develop what I believe to be a reasonable understanding of issues relating to public safety.

Restricting and/or limiting innocent people's rights to ensure their own safety in situations where that action might be merited is not in the best interest of peace and security.

Ben Franklin said, "They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety."

If we are not careful, we will find ourselves without liberty or safety. I challenge legislators at all levels not to overreact.

Gerald Galloway retired in 2005 as police chief of Southern Pines.

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fugitiveguy 9 months ago

Makes sense to me.

skylinefirepest 9 months ago

Great letter, Gerald. I said at the time that there was absolutely no reason to not trust law abiding citizens with firearms. The advantage always lies with attacker because only he knows when, how, and what he intends to do. I read the many letters squealing about the possible effects of an armed citizen in the theater at Aurora recently and all of them made the same mistaken premise...they didn't take into account that an armed citizen would not just start shooting into the crowd, the ceiling, wherever and "more people could have been harmed by an armed response". What hogwash from an uninformed, mostly anti-gun few!

FightFireWithFire 9 months ago

"Restricting and/or limiting innocent people's rights to ensure their own safety in situations where that action might be merited is not in the best interest of peace and security."

My sentiments, exactly. Thanks, Chief, enjoy retirement!

nothingspecial 9 months ago

Mr. Galloway, I certainly appreciate your thoughtful advice on this matter, especially in light of your experience. Thank you for your service to our country on the front lines!!

geozap 9 months ago

The folks that will take the time, and expense of acquiring a permit are not a danger to law enforcement or the public. A properly trained citizen is an asset to the public safety.

Well said Chief Galloway.

Willbill 9 months ago

Thank you Gerald Galloway for this excellent article. More current and former police chiefs should come forward and assure the public that right to carry is not a danger to society.

It should also be noted that the Brady Campaign views Vermont as the worst case scenario, and they give Vermont a score of 6 out of 100 for its firearms laws. Even though citizens in Vermont are free to carry firearms both openly or concealed without a permit, and despite the fact that they are free to carry their firearms in restaurants that serve alcohol and even while consuming alcohol, the homicide rate in Vermont was 1.3 per 100,000 in 2009 and 1.1 per 100,000 in 2010. Of the eight homicides that were committed in Vermont in 2009 none of them were committed using firearms, and of the seven homicides committed in 2010, only two were committed with firearms.

http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/ucr/crime-in-the-u.s/2010/crime-in-the-u.s.-2010/tables/10tbl04.xls

http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/ucr/crime-in-the-u.s/2010/crime-in-the-u.s.-2010/tables/10tbl20.xls

http://www.bradycampaign.org/xshare/stateleg/scorecard/2011/2011_Brady_Campaign_State_Scorecard_Rankings.pdf

fugitiveguy 9 months ago

Where are the usual CC opponents?

Mozambique 9 months ago

Good letter, Gerald. The police certainly do their best, but when it's all said-and-done they are merely "responders". Anyone in need of the police can expect to wait about 7-10 minutes at least from the time they get the call to the time they arrive. And usually by the time you get to call them, the crime has happened and the perp has beat-feet out of there.

As much as I appreciate our local Smokeys, and I do, it is ultimately up to me to protect myself and my family....regardless of the ever-changing law.

Bentpan 9 months ago

Chief Galloway your service is appreciated, Your insights based on experiance on this issue are invaluable, Those of us who believe in "right to carry" laws are frequently accosted with the "Wild West" arguement which as you have pointed out couldn't be further from the truth. Citizens that go through the process to acquire a carry permit are responsible law abiding people who have legitimate reasons for exercising their 2nd amendment rights.

eflat7 9 months ago

Thanks for taking the time to write this! This is so true.

geoffcutler 9 months ago

Chief, I've recently completed the NC Hunter Education course, and was greatly impressed by the seriousness and concentration paid to firearm safety. 95% of the course is devoted to safety, and the ethics associated with firearms ownership and hunting responsibly. I plan to take the CC course next, and expect it will also be heavily focused on handgun safety. I applaud your article and adjustment in your thinking, but I was curious to hear that you have never been a member of any organizations like the NRA. They have always been on the front-lines of our Constitutional right to bear arms, firearm education and safety.

pgericson 9 months ago

@fugativeguy
What would be the point of expressing an alternative view unless one was a die hard masochist?

smoochielarue 9 months ago

While I think exchief Galloway states his stance in a well thought out letter, I still think it should be up to the business establishments to either allow or not concealed weapons in their respective places of business.

rchamb 9 months ago

I applaud you Chief Galloway. It's always great to have law enforcement on the side of a law abiding citizens right to carry a weapon for protection. Criminals are not going to go to the Sheriffs dept. and get fingerprinted for a background check to carry a weapon. Being criminals, they do what criminals do, they buy them illegally, or steal them. It is only us law abiding citizens who adhere to the law, and we are NOT a threat to society. Thanks again for your comments.

skylinefirepest 9 months ago

Smoochie...under current law a business may post against concealed carry...it makes a sure sign that tells me to go spend my money somewhere else. I'll not willingly step into very many criminal shooting galleries!

cooldaddy 9 months ago

same...I avoid any business that has a "No Concealed Carry" sign. There are plenty of others.

rayplumas 9 months ago

Chief, well done, well written. A government that trusts it's citizens will find that the citizens will trust the government!

smoochielarue 9 months ago

skyline i could care less what you do or dont do.

DingoMike 9 months ago

Chief, thank you for your service to the community as Chief of Police. I'm glad that you've seen the light and come over to the enlightened side of the debate on concealed carry. I also feel that it is the duty of every citizen to protect his property and home and family from the criminal element that would strive to take that away from him. I also feel that any citizen that gets a concealed carry permit has a duty to the poeple around him/her to practice the safe use of those firearms, should the need arise. I also hope that I will NEVER have to use my weapon in a self defense situation, however, I believe that I want to be the sheep dog and not the sheep in that situation, a concealed weapon gives me that freedom.

CC85 9 months ago

Would be interested to hear your opinion on assualt type weapons.

skylinefirepest 9 months ago

Smoochie, with a moniker like yours I would think you'd be a little sweeter...guess I was wrong, as you usually are. Little cranky this morning? What, somebody step in your breakfast? Well, maybe you can find a store that has posted against concealed carry and hang out there all day. That way you know you won't be running into me!

MikeNC 8 months, 4 weeks ago

geoffcutler 1 day, 9 hours ago ...Chief, I've recently completed the NC Hunter Education course...

Well then Geoff...How about some squirrel stew this fall, fried rabbit come November and eliminate a bit of the coyote problem as well; not to mention the good time spent in the field ?

"However, the path to personal safety is a shared responsibility that includes law enforcement and each individual person. No law-abiding citizens should be restricted from protecting themselves and others - yes, even including the use of deadly force if necessary." .... And thanks Chief Galloway for your response and support of responsible gun ownership and protection of our 2nd Ammendment...Mike

thebap 8 months, 4 weeks ago

I agree Chief Galloway. Keenesaw Ga reported a drop in crime after passing.a law requiring the heads of households to own at least one firearm with ammunition. Would the crime rate drop if everyone was required by law to concel and carry a firearm? Proably not, but there should not be a law that takes away our right to conceal and carry, especially from sane folks who just want to protect themselves and their love ones.

Noluv4thugs 8 months, 4 weeks ago

I Love how the usual lefty "wignuts" have failed to post in response to Cheif Galloway's article. Where are you clarebelle, DR, Jason?? Thank you Mr. Galloway for your very informed perspective. Cheers

bettertimes 8 months, 4 weeks ago

Thank you Mr. Galloway for your well written informative letter as well as your service to the community, past and present. Hopefully, your point of view as an Officer of the law will open some eyes to those who wear blinders.
To 'geoffcutler' - you will throughly enjoy Mr. Creechs concealed carry class! I wish more people would take it to get educated even if they don't pursue the permit.

clarabelle 8 months, 4 weeks ago

" Noluv4thugs - I Love how the usual lefty "wignuts" have failed to post"

And my posting would change your right wing looney attitude?

I still believe that anyone carrying weapons in public are dangerous. LEO's go through intensive training and it is a continual process. I can only imagine some scenario at a kids park that might arise from a simple argument and escalate.

I could care less if people have weapons at home - in fact I support that.

Courseaire 8 months, 4 weeks ago

As long as you keep your dirty snot-nosed little brat away from my sweet little angel, you've got nothing to worry about.

MikeNC 8 months, 4 weeks ago

clarabelle 21 minutes ago ...I still believe that anyone carrying weapons in public are dangerous. I can only imagine some scenario at a kids park that might arise from a simple argument and escalate.

Jeesh..... Mike

by MikeNC

Thatcher 8 months, 4 weeks ago

MikeNC-- Liberals have a certain stereotype of folks who carry concealed weapons or who own and use guns. Just like they have a ingrained belief that conservatives attack and beat up gay people. During the Chick-Fil-A thing, liberals here were claiming that conservatives or Tea Party folks brutally assaulted a lesbian in Nebraska. One liberal here, who posts more than any other liberal, actually claimed that this incident proved that conservatives were getting "more violent." Well, it turns out that the lesbian faked the whole thing: http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/21/justice/nebraska-hate-crime/index.html. She has now been charged with lying to police. Will liberals here, who condemned conservatives for the crime, apologize? Don't hold your breath. They used her false claim as ammo to attack conservatives, and now they will act like they never even heard that her claim was totally false. Cheers!

skylinefirepest 8 months, 4 weeks ago

Clarabelle..." I can only imagine some scenario at a kids park that might arise from a simple argument and escalate." That's totally correct...you can only imagine, because such a scenario hasn't happened and likely will not happen! Why is it that you guys don't trust law abiding American citizens???

fugitiveguy 8 months, 4 weeks ago

"Well, it turns out that the lesbian faked the whole thing:"

Are we even sure she is a lesbian?

clarabelle 8 months, 4 weeks ago

" skylinefirepest - Clarabelle..." I can only imagine some scenario at a kids park that might arise from a simple argument and escalate." That's totally correct...you can only imagine, because such a scenario hasn't happened and likely will not happen! "

the chances of anyone needing to defend themselves at a park is so miniscule I wonder why even bother to carry them there? I carry where I ride simply because it makes sense.

I wonder if you guys pack at church............ make certain no one steals the offering or perhaps stop anyone that objects to the sermon!

Do you guys wear badges.................... maybe cowboy hats.........

clarabelle 8 months, 4 weeks ago

"Jeesh..... Mike"....................

It's drama "King" ............... clown!

Thatcher 8 months, 4 weeks ago

fugitiveguy-- Interesting point. Hopefully the liberals here, who claim to be experts on her veracity, will let us know. Cheers!

clarabelle 8 months, 4 weeks ago

" fugitiveguy - Well, it turns out that the lesbian faked the whole thing: Are we even sure she is a lesbian?"

And you care because........................

clarabelle 8 months, 4 weeks ago

" Thatcher - fugitiveguy-- Interesting point. Hopefully the liberals here, who claim to be experts on her veracity, will let us know. Cheers!"

People do that all the time...........why all even bet you feigned interest in sex with a woman at one time!

Ooops................ almost forgot ....................cheers!

Thatcher 8 months, 4 weeks ago

clarabelle being her classy and upbeat self, and implying that fugitiveguy and I are gay. I thought liberals never insulted folks because of sexual orientation. Wait till I tell my wife and kids! Cheers!

MikeNC 8 months, 4 weeks ago

Hey Thatcher....I thought Clarabelle might get a kick out of this....

How You Know You're Shopping in Texas by Deborah Bravandt

Zoey 8 months, 4 weeks ago

clarabelle- "I wonder if you guys pack at church............ make certain no one steals the offering or perhaps stop anyone that objects to the sermon!"

. Whadda you know.....http://charlotte.cbslocal.com/2012/03/26/sheriff-concealed-weapon-saves-church-from-man-armed-with-shotgun/

Thatcher 8 months, 4 weeks ago

MikeNC-- Now that was funny! Even the liberals here who are pretending to be "away" so as not to have to comment on the lesbian's fabricated story (with the Tea Party bullies) think your video is funny. They'll likely never admit it. Anymore than they'd apologize for blaming conservatives for a fake assault. Cheers!

clarabelle 8 months, 4 weeks ago

" Thatcher - clarabelle being her classy and upbeat self,"

Thank you thatcher - ................. cheers

Thatcher 8 months, 4 weeks ago

You are welcome, clarabelle! Cheers!

calynn 8 months, 4 weeks ago

clarabelle...

Yep, why would anyone want to protect themselves in a park?

"A man was assaulted on Durham's American Tobacco Trail Tuesday evening, marking the 11th crime on the trail in 2012, police said.

According to police, the man was jogging around 7:30 p.m. when he noticed four or five youths between 12 and 16 years old loitering on the trail between Otis Street and Fayetteville Road.

The jogger ran by them and continued down the trail, but as he was returning, the group assaulted him. Durham Police Chief Jose Lopez said the youths threw things at the jogger and tried to trip him.

The man wasn't seriously injured and was able to get home, where he called police.

Six of the reported crimes on the trail this year have been assaults. There have also been four robberies and one case of indecent exposure, according to data provided by the Durham Police Department.

In 2011, five robberies, two assaults and six cases of indecent exposure were reported on the Durham portion of the trail.

"The simple assaults don't appear to be motivated by robbery. It appears to be motivated more by mischievousness and the locations where they find individuals who are clearly running by themselves," Lopez said."

http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/11455580/

Thatcher 8 months, 4 weeks ago

And here is the sound of liberals defending the Nebraska woman who lied about being attacked, presumably by Tea Party conservatives, and apologizing to conservatives for their false claims: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J834KH.... Makes me want to go fishin'! Cheers!

MikeNC 8 months, 4 weeks ago

Here is another reason to be prepared to defend yourself or another. I have seen coyotes twice down in the woods below the soccer field and have seen them several times over the years down on the Fairbarn track while jogging. They have never bothered me, were not aggressive, but allowed me to get pretty close before backing down into the brush. They are getting emboldened and no doubt are killing / maiming cats and dogs in the area. Here is an example where a young lady was attacked and killed in a park up in Canada. Coyote attacks on humans are not the norm, but not as rare as some might have you believe; especially on children. I would not shoot at one in the parks just because I see it as that could endanger someone, but if the outside chance does occur of witnessing an attack or being attacked; it would be nice to be able to do something about it. Go ahead Clarabelle....say it could never happen here in Pinehurst. Check out the two links.....Mike

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/10/28/taylor-mitchell-singerson_n_337836.html

Coyote Attacks..... http://www.varmintal.com/attac.htm