If the National Football League listens to the advise of the nation’s largest police union, NFL stadiums could soon have more protection against violent criminals.
The President of The Fraternal Order of Police, Chuck Canterbury, asked NFL commissioner Roger Goodell in a letter to make a serious change to the league’s stadium firearm policy. He asked that Retired and Off-Duty officers that hold a concealed carry permit be permitted to carry at games to increase public safety.
In his November 20 letter, Canterbury cited the recent increase in threats of violent acts by individuals and groups intent on terrorism as the reason for the need to increase the amount of lawful concealed carry at stadiums.
He pointed out that large public events have been mentioned by terrorist groups as prime targets for violence.
A spokesman for the NFL, Brian McCarthy, reported that armed and trained security personnel attend every game. They’re trained to respond to threats in a crowded area.
McCarthy claimed that an unregistered person with a gun, even if it was a trained off-duty law enforcement officer, at a NFL stadium would be a danger by interfering with trained security.
Current NFL policies strictly monitor gun possession at stadiums and deter carrying with serious enthusiasm at every venue.
Proponents of the idea feel that off-duty and retired law enforcement officers have been trained and practiced in carrying and using firearms, therefore they would only help to deter a potential attack.
Three large police unions in Detroit have weighed in by drafting similar letters as well. After two protesters made it onto the field at a Detroit Lions game on Thanksgiving Day more concerns were raised.
Carrying concealed at large public requires extensive training and preparation. Accuracy and secure gun handling are paramount to ensure safety.
