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Kansas' Experience After 3 Years of "Shall Issue" Right-to-Carry
Concealed-carry quietly in effect
BY TIM POTTER
The Wichita Eagle
For almost three years, Kansans have been able to carry concealed handguns if they obtain the required license.
So far, there have been no major incidents or widespread controversies involving the concealed-carry law, said Phil Journey, the former state senator and firearms advocate from Haysville who helped concealed carry become law. The head of the Kansas police chiefs association agrees with Journey.
At the same time, far fewer people than expected have obtained concealed-carry licenses.
Opponents to the law "generally raised the specter of people shooting each other over car wrecks or parking spaces... and that has not come true in Kansas or any other states that passed the law," said Journey, now a District Court judge in Sedgwick County.Licensing rates varyLaw enforcement view
"I don't have a problem with law-abiding people carrying concealed weapons," Hinshaw said. "The problem I have is with non-law-abiding persons carrying concealed weapons."
In an e-mail, Attorney General Steve Six said although implementation of the law has gone well, it will continue to be revised to meet "everyone's expectations."
"I support our state's conceal carry law and will continue to ensure that Kansans' second amendment rights are protected," Six said.
Caution is stressed
Robert Anderson, who operates a concealed-carry on-line discussion group, ksccw.com, said that as part of the required eight-hour training for a concealed-carry license, applicants hear messages of caution: that "it's better to let law enforcement handle it. It's better to be the best witness you can be than to intercede," Anderson said.
Having the license is "not a permit to become a vigilante," he said.
"Sometimes the best defense is to walk away."
Craig Godderz, a certified concealed-carry instructor, who has trained about 1,000 people, mostly from Sedgwick County, said the training stresses using good judgment, getting out of a bad situation if possible and drawing a gun only as a last resort.
He tells his students, for example: "You don't carry a gun when you are out partying and drinking," just as someone shouldn't drink and drive.
Godderz, who has been training 12 to 15 people a month, said he has noticed an increase in demand for the training since Barack Obama became president. Godderz said he attributes it to a perception that Obama favors increased gun control.
Reasons for carrying
Mike Relihan, owner of Bullseye Shooting Range near 13th and Oliver, said training classes that have met at his business reflect a diversity of race, gender and age.
"They are a typical cross-section of the community," Relihan said.
David Pomeroy, who was at the Bullseye range with his 13-year-old son, Cole, said he is planning to take a concealed-carry course after the first of the year.
"I've had guns all my life," said Pomeroy, 57, who described himself as "a lifetime NRA member."
"The thought of being able to have a gun in certain areas, situations would be a plus," he said.
Harry Ross, a Bullseye manager and former police officer, said women are receptive to the idea of carrying a concealed gun because it gives them confidence "knowing they can defend themselves."
"They don't have to depend on someone else," Ross said.
Journey, a judge and former state senator, said many people obtain a license to carry a gun because they have practical security concerns. They work late at night or take receipts to a bank. They have been victims of domestic violence or stalking.
Or they worry about random crime, he said. "There doesn't have to be a reason that you can be a victim of crime."
License requirementsContributing: Hurst Laviana of The Eagle Reach Tim Potter at 316-268-6684 or tpotter@wichitaeagle.com.
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