QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS by Robin Lynn Trench
I often attend training courses outside my state, and
plan to vacation by driving with my family to see much of the United States
by car this summer. I always thought that as a sworn police officer (who
supervises the property function) I could take my weapon along anywhere.
However, in a recent discussion with a co-worker I was told this is not
true. I don't want to be unarmed (some bad guys don't like me much) I will
be going on vacation soon.
Is it true that I cannot take my gun with me? I researched your question about carrying your duty weapon. While most states recognize officers from other states to carry duty weapons even on vacation, there are some that do not. If you are planning a vacation contact the state police of any state you plan to visit. Ask for the policy on carrying weapons. If you are uncomfortable, plan to visit only states that permit you to legally carry your off duty weapon. This will avoid, embarrassment to you and your agency as well as anxious moments for your family. About one fifth of the states limit or refuse to recognize out of state police officers rights to carry guns. If you plan to attend a training course. out of state, contact the local police about restrictions they may have on possessing weapons. They can best advise on local laws. Our agency wants to do an audit but is not sure how to go about it. Have any suggestions? First, you will need a plan of attack. What you want to accomplish, how you will go about it, etc. There are some excellent articles on how to do an audit. Read them. (IAPE has forwarded several to you.) In addition the Guidebook for doing an audit breaks down step by step what to look for when doing an audit. It can be a great help. If you need additional help. contact IAPE for answers to specific questions. Ask for Robin Trench to be paged or for Lynn to be paged. One of us will get right back to you. If your agency needs the audit because of a theft or internal problem, IAPE offers consultants for a modest fee to come out and audit your property section. The cost depends on how large the room is and if a verbal or written report is requested. All IAPE audits and help are confidential. In California all handguns have to be registered. Does this include handguns brought into the property room for safe keeping? What about restriction on ammunition? All handguns do not have to be registered in California. Only when a handgun is sold or the ownership is transferred does the weapon need to be registered. According to the California Department of Justice, handguns owned prior to the law taking effect or handguns brought in from out of state are "grandfathered in" and do not require registration until they are sold or ownership changes hands. About ammunition. I believe you are referring to the adult/juvenile
confusion. According to the California Department of Justice only a person
with identification 21 years old or more may purchase ammunition for a
weapon. However, since the state recognizes persons as adults at the age
of 18, anyone 18 years old or more may possess the ammunition - they just
can't buy it!
Copyright © 1999 International Association for Property and Evidence, Inc. Reprinted from the Evidence Log, Volume 1996, Number 1, Page 15 |
