NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Louisiana will become the 28th state to allow law-abiding adults to carry a concealed firearm without training, a permit or a background check. Since the new law, Neutral Ground Gun Company has seen a slight uptick in sales.
“We have seen an increase in selling belts, hostile, the gear that is actually needed to carry a gun,” said the owner of Neutral Ground Gun Company, Sam Salvich.
The New Orleans Police Department is getting ahead of the curve by preparing its officers to police properly.
”Our officers are going to remain proactive and that’s why this training is so important because now these officers are going to be retooled on what they can and cannot do,” said NOPD Deputy Superintendent Nicholas Gernon.
Gernon says it’s imperative that people educate themselves about where they can and cannot carry a concealed gun. For instance, if you’re stopped by an officer in the French Quarter, you must disclose that you have a weapon.
“To submit to a pat down, to allow that officer to disarm you during the course of that interaction, that is in the law. That is a requirement of the law, and we expect people to follow the law, or we are going to have to take enforcement action,” said Gernon.
He adds that schools, bars and restaurants are just a few places where concealed carry without a permit is prohibited.
When asked if he believes more weapons will be stolen from cars, as a result. He says it’s best to leave it at home.
“If someone really feels the need to bring a gun down here and leave it in the car they should really be getting a lock box. This is about personal responsibility, people have to take responsibility for their firearms, and if they are not able to do so, there are going to be consequences,” said Gernon.
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