City Council Debates Concealed Carry in City Hall

During a recent city council meeting, discussions centered around the implications of allowing concealed carry permits within city hall, following a new state statute that went into effect on July 1. The council is considering whether to opt out of this statute, which currently prohibits concealed carry in city hall.

Chief Brady confirmed that individuals with concealed carry permits are required to carry their permits with them, and officers are trained to recognize valid permits. However, concerns were raised about the potential for forgery and the ability of officers to identify authentic documents. The council also discussed the possibility of increased liability for the city if they opted out of the program and an incident occurred.

A survey conducted among city employees revealed a split opinion on the matter, with responses evenly divided between support and opposition to allowing concealed carry in city hall. The council noted that while open carry is prohibited on city property, there are currently no restrictions on concealed carry unless the city opts out of the statute.

The conversation also touched on the operational aspects of managing concealed carry within city hall, including the potential need for security measures such as metal detectors or advanced technology to detect weapons. Deputy Manager Wick mentioned ongoing discussions about utilizing radar technology for security purposes, which could streamline the process of ensuring safety at entrances.

Council members expressed the need for further information regarding how other municipalities handle concealed carry in government buildings. They also explored the possibility of amending the ordinance to allow city employees with permits to carry while prohibiting the general public from doing so.

The council is expected to continue deliberating on this issue, weighing the safety of city employees and visitors against the rights of concealed carry permit holders. The decision will have significant implications for city policy and public safety protocols moving forward.