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Law enforcement, instructor elaborate on new conceal carry law
The newly approved permitless concealed carry law is continuing conversations about gun safety.
ACADIA PARISH, La. (KLFY)-- A newly signed Senate bill that goes into effect on July 4, will no longer require any person 18 or older to have a permit in order to conceal carry a firearm.
The newly approved permitless concealed carry law is continuing conversations about gun safety. News 10 spoke with law enforcement and a firearms instructor on what is expected from people who conceal carry before and after the law goes into effect.
Michael Brown, the owner and instructor of Defend 365 said the new law no longer requiring a permit to conceal carry has caused concerns and questions for some people. Brown said one of those concerns is safety.
"I don't understand how the legislature thinks that by giving everybody carte blanche of having a weapon, that that's going to make their environment safe," Brown said.
As a firearms instructor, Brown said conceal carry classes are offered to teach those who do want to conceal carry, how to do it safely.
"Training is very crucial," Brown said. "It's more than just picking up a gun and shooting it."
Acadia Parish Sheriff K. P. Gibson said although the law will be a change for those who conceal carry, he wants people to still be aware that until it goes into effect, a conceal carry permit is still needed.
"Well, the first thing let's talk about it from current day until July 4, you cannot carry a firearm without a concealed permit because the law has not gone into effect yet," Gibson said.
Gibson said it's important to be aware of the changes coming up, but to keep in mind once the law goes into effect, there are still places where firearms are not allowed, even if there is no permit needed.
"Education is a very big part of this to know that you don't take over to jail," Gibson said. "Number two, knowing where I can and can't care and communication, that's the big three in my opinion. I think that I'll make this work as smooth, or transitions can be perfect. That'll make it work as a smooth transition as long."
Again, law enforcement encourages anyone who decided to carry firearms whether open or concealed, to educate themselves on gun laws and safety.