A law allowing concealed carrying of firearms by most people over 18 in Louisiana took effect less than a month ago, with no related issues reported by local law enforcement.
The law took effect July 4 and will not take effect in New Orleans until Aug. 1.
While not expressing opposition to the law, local law enforcement leaders are nonetheless hoping that firearms owners wishing to carry concealed will avail themselves of training to ensure the safety of themselves and others.
Prior to July 4, citizens qualified to purchase or possess a firearm were allowed to carry openly, so that their weapons were visible. Law enforcement officials said they expect more people will carry firearms given the option of doing so concealed.
“My recommendation to the people would be for them to make sure they educate themselves before making the decision to concealed carry,” Houma Police Chief Travis Theriot said. “I would always encourage training and making an informed decision and be responsible about the right to concealed carry. There will be challenges as we go through this, but it will come down to both the public and law enforcement getting educated.”
One local agency is taking an active role in making training possible for any person who desires it.Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre has opened up his firearms training class to the public at no cost.
“We decided we have to take a proactive stance, and so we made the decision to continue our concealed carry courses and make them free of charge,” Webre said. “We agreed that information about the law, the safe handling and securing, the responsibilities and liabilities are all critical.”
Participants must bring to the class a handgun in good working condition, 50 rounds of ammunition, eye protection and ear protection. The course involves classroom instruction as well as range firing. Registered participants who stay for the whole class can receive a certificate of completion if they wish, said Capt. Brennan Matherne, LPSO’s spokesman.
“People that don’t know how to properly handle a firearm is our biggest concern for the potential of something horrible happening,” Matherne said. “People need to know, for example, that everywhere they couldn’t carry that’s still the case.”
Thibodaux Police Chief Bryan Zeringue added his voice to those of other law enforcement executives recommending training for anyone considering concealed carry, even though state law no longer requires it. Use of a firearm – now as before, even by a person considering themselves law abiding – can have unforeseen consequences.
“It’s very important because if you don’t have the proper training to use the weapon safely and know what laws you have to abide by and follow, that can be detrimental to someone,” Zeringue said. “You might be cleared on a criminal charge, but don’t think they won’t come back on you civilly.”
Here are some tips from firearms instructors for those who will carry for the first time. The list is not exhaustive, and only includes some of what can be gained from firearms courses such as that offered by Lafourche.
- Be sure if stopped by law enforcement whether in a vehicle or on the street to inform the officer that you are in possession of a weapon and follow their instructions.
- Take care selecting a handgun; Make such choices after conferring with firearms experts.
- After receiving formal instructions arrange for pistol range time to be assured of comfort and accuracy.
- Proper holster choices are important considerations.
- Do not touch the area on your body where the pistol is carried in public. This can attract undue attention to the fact that you are armed.
- Do not display or show off your firearm in public.
- Be aware that Louisiana’s concealed carry law does not extend to other states. While you can carry a firearm concealed in Louisiana, other states may not reciprocate. Always check.
The new law is making some people with firearms experience concerned about its implications. Jon Theriot, who operated Fred’s Pawn in Houma until the store was destroyed by Hurricane Ida, said that when he sold firearms at the shop – for many years – he was keenly aware that some customers, even though they could pass background checks, should think twice before purchasing a gun.
The dangers for inexperienced and untrained individuals, their family members and neighbors, Theriot said, in some cases resulted in him warning them away from making their buys.
“You might have some armed elderly person who thinks there is an intruder at their door and says ‘I’ve got a gun, I’ve got a gun’ and what happens is someone comes around through the back door, knocks them out and takes their gun away from them,” said Theriot, who recalls refusing sales to churchmen who said they wished to protect the faithful from crimes in their sanctuaries. “I’d ask them what they think might happen if they discharged their firearm in a packed church.”
He also expressed hope that those who might now carry because of the new law will avail themselves of training. Anyone interested in the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s free course may register online at www.lpso.net/classes or contact Capt. Kevin Johnson at (985) 449-4481 or email at kevin-johnson@lpso.net .
The Sheriff notes that while the course is free, prior registration is required due to limited class sizes.
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: Lafourche, Terrebonne officials offer caveats, help with new concealed carry firearms law
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