9/01/2010

Philadelphia harasses and jails concealed carry permit holders

Philadelphia makes it difficult for people to get permits and then those who have gotten concealed permits legally have been arrested and harassed by Philadelphia police. They took guns from security guards and locked them up in custody for up to 18 hours. This raises questions about whether Philadelphia should be classified as a right to carry city.

In the last two years, Philadelphia police have confiscated guns from at least nine men - including four security guards - who were carrying them legally, and only one of the guns has been returned, according to interviews with the men.

Eight of the men said that they were detained by police - two for 18 hours each. Two were hospitalized for diabetic issues while in custody, one of whom was handcuffed to a bed. Charges were filed against three of the men, only to be withdrawn by the District Attorney's Office.

The civil-rights unit of the City Solicitor's Office confirmed that it is handling eight such cases. Two of the men interviewed by the Daily News said that they rejected settlement offers from the city ranging from $3,500 to $7,500. One accepted a $5,000 offer.

Most of the cases hinge on what local authorities call the "Florida loophole," under which a Pennsylvania resident can obtain a nonresident permit to carry a concealed weapon through the mail from another state, even without a permit in Pennsylvania.

The "loophole" is unpopular with Philadelphia cops, who say that it allows those denied a permit here or whose permits were revoked to circumvent Philadelphia authorities and obtain it elsewhere.

But proponents say that it's necessary because Philadelphia has unusually strict criteria for obtaining a concealed-carry permit. Philadelphia, according to police and gun owners, relies heavily on a clause that allows denial of a permit based on "character and reputation" alone.

The men interviewed by the Daily News had varying reasons for seeking nonresident permits from Florida or other states, including having been denied a Philadelphia permit because of unpaid parking tickets. Some said that they carry a Florida permit because it is recognized by more states than a Pennsylvania one. . . .

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4 Comments:

Blogger TooMuchTime said...

Gee. I wonder how many angry lawyers would be lining up in front of Philly city hall if the police had denied detainees the right to counsel?

9/02/2010 12:41 PM  
Blogger Chas said...

Markie Marxist sez: "Anyone who wants to support private gun ownership by becoming a private gun owner is obviously a person of horrible character who deserves to have a terrible reputation for not being a good Marxist! No guns for them!"

9/02/2010 7:20 PM  
Blogger Al B. said...

I'm a PA resident and I have both a PA CCL and a FL CCL. My understanding is that PA recognizes FL CCLs for non-residents, but PA residents must have a PA CCL.

9/03/2010 4:43 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

I am retired Military and retired DOD civilian. I have a Pa CCL and a FL CCL. I live in S. Philly. Crime here is un bearable. Police only show up after you had been violated. Our Police Chief, Police Officer Managers and some Foot Patrol Officers are Politicaly motivated to violate our rights. When confronted in a neighborhood meeting and asked about the use of deadly force they give negative anti-self defense replys. That alone should constitute grounds for demotion for false information.

10/02/2012 9:06 PM  

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