Little Help Garry?

In light of all the recent (and momentous) changes in Illinois gun law, you'd think there would be something around to assist and guide officers in their encounters with armed citizens. Because although there will be a sizable increase in the number of legally carried guns on the street shortly, there are still hundreds, even thousands of illegally owned guns out there.

Take for example the decision earlier this week which, as we read it, voids out certain sections of the Aggravated UUW statute while sustaining the Unlawful Possession of a Firearm charge and simultaneously acknowledging that you can carry outside the boundaries of your home. Confusing? Especially in light of all the City charges voided out a few weeks ago and other state laws that are now unenforceable? You bet.

We still haven't seen or heard of any training bulletins, videos or actual ASA's being prepared, briefed or scheduled for the street coppers. Maybe we're just out of the loop, but you'd think that some hint of something might have reached our doorstep. What we have heard (and witnessed) is DSS's of all ranks calling around to other Districts to ascertain proper charging of arrestees in cases where the law has abruptly changed. If the bosses are unsure, we imagine there might be a shortfall in Department preparations somewhere.

Here's a fun one for our coppers down south - Pullman is on the verge of becoming a National Park. Obama himself altered the rules for carrying in the National Parks in a feint to appear "Second Amendment friendly" for reelection, before his reverting to form as a gun grabber. National Park rules pretty much supersede any State laws regarding firearms and trump any municipal ordinances. Has the Department even considered this? With sections of the surrounding neighborhood resembling Afghani combat zones? We're betting no.