Oak Creek Prepares For Concealed Carry Law

The Oak Creek Police Department is formulating plans about how it will address new issues presented by the , which goes into effect Nov. 1.

Oak Creek Police Chief John Edwards said he is putting together information for city officials and schools about the new law. Officers will receive training on what they can and can't do, and the department is getting clarification from the state on a few lingering issues.

In addition, the city of Oak Creek is expected to adopt its own ordinances pertaining to the law and fines for violating it. 

Change is coming

The biggest adjustment for patrol officers and dispatchers will be asking more questions in situations involving a person with a gun. Officers will need to ask for a person's permit so they don’t infringe upon their rights; however, a balance must be struck so police stay safe. (Officers could, for example, take the gun away and secure it while they are talking to someone, and then give it back at the end of the conversation)

"It will be a mindset change for officers," Edwards said.

Dispatchers, too, will need more information – like where the gun is and whether the person is open carrying – before proceeding with a call, though police would always respond.

"It will learning curve, which they will pick up on quick," Edwards said. "Other states have been doing this for a long time."

Changes brought upon by the law also involve schools and businesses. Unlike the open carry law, a person with the proper permits could carry a concealed weapon within 1,000 feet of a school, though they still could not carry on school grounds.

Edwards will also send out information to businesses through the South Suburban Chamber of Commerce. Business owners are allowed to post signs prohibiting concealed carry inside their stores.

What the future might hold

The state attorney general's office has about the law on its website, and numerous websites and groups are offering courses.

The Oak Creek Police Department has received several calls about opening up its shooting range and facilitating concealed-carry classes, but Edwards says that won't be happening.

"That's not our role," Edwards said.

Edwards predicts a lot of people will get permits to concealed carry at first, but permits and the number of people carrying will fall after a little while.

"After a period of time," he said, "they're going to find out it’s not all that fun to carry a gun around."