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Concealed weapons law makes for tenser traffic stops

While Thursday's Post-Dispatch reports that police are afraid of the new concealed weapons law, the Missouri Highway Patrol says it just means its officers have to keep their eyes open. Aidian Holder reports.

Under the old law, anyone carrying a handgun in their car had to have it unloaded and locked away. After Saturday, anyone over 21 can carry a loaded gun in their car without a permit.

The chance that any driver on the road has a gun could increase the likelihood of routine traffic stops turning violent, but Corporal John Parrish of the Missouri Highway Patrol says he'll take the changes in stride.

Opponents of the law have filed suit to stop the law, but it's not likely to be stayed before it goes into effect.

From the State Capitol, I'm Aidian Holder.

Date: 10/09/2003

By: Aidian Holder

State Capital Bureau

When the concealed carry law goes into effect Saturday, most Missourians over the age of 21 will be able to legally carry a loaded handgun in their car, and this has some concerned that routine traffic stops are more likely to turn violent. Aidian (uh-de-an) Holder report.

Under the old law, anyone carrying a hangun in their car had to leave it unloaded and locked away.

But as of Saturday anyone over the age of twenty one with a legal hangun can carry it -- fully loaded -- inside their car.

Opponents of the law say this makes it more likely that police officers will be shot during routine traffic stops, but Marco Tapia, executive director of the Missouri Deputy Sherriffs' Association, says we don't need to fear seeing dead cops on the side of the road.

The new law is being challenged in court, but it is unlikely to be stayed before it goes into effect.

From the state Capitol, I'm Aidian Holder

Date: 09/10/2003

By: Aidian Holder

State Capital Bureau

The new concealed weapons law goes into effect Saturday and with it the potential of thousands of handguns being carried by drivers. Aidian Holder reports.

Under the current law, anyone carrying a handgun in their car has to have it unloaded and locked away. After Saturday, anyone over 21 can carry a loaded gun in their car without a permit.

This means that police officers have to approach every traffic stop as if their dealing with an armed driver, and this can lead to tension, and, some fear, bloodshed.

Corporal John Parrish of the Missouri Highway Patrol says he's worried about the risks -- but not to himself.

Opponents of the law are fighting it in court, but it's unlikely to be stayed before the law goes into effect this weekend.

From the state Capitol, I'm Aidian Holder.