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The Palm Beach Post
Saturday, April 15, 2000
Palm Beach County's sheriff balks at requiring locks on deputy's guns
By Marc Caputo
Palm Beach Post Staff Writer
Palm Beach County's sheriff won't require his deputies to buy their guns from manufacturers who sell firearms with trigger locks.
"I'm not in a position to mandate that on our officers," Sheriff Robert Neumann said in response to a county commission proposal that area cops support trigger-lock makers.
Undaunted, Commissioner Burt Aaronson said he'll still push for the non-binding resolution Tuesday. Aaronson, emboldened by strict gun-control laws recently passed in states like Maryland, hopes increased police support for trigger locks will pressure national gun makers to put safer weapons on the market.
"We need to do everything we can to keep little children from shooting their brothers and sisters," Aaronson said.
"This is not a symbolic gesture."
But the proposal may be just that with Neumann's refusal to require his deputies to only purchase from so-called "safe" gun makers. Neumann said he doesn't oppose the idea; it's just too difficult to mandate it on nearly 1,600 armed employees.
Unlike sheriff's deputies who buy their own guns, West Palm Beach police are issued Glocks by their department. Seldom sold with trigger locks, Glocks are a particular favorite among police because of their light weight and accuracy. Replacing the $450 firearm would be cost prohibitive.
Boca Raton police officer Jeff Kelly said that department issues officers Sig Sauers, a pistol that's sold with trigger locks. Boynton Beach police Lt. Gregory Been said his force dispenses Smith & Wessons.
Most police like the idea of gun safety, however they don't know if they should be the political standard-bearers for the fight.
"This is obviously a political hot potato," said Bill Sandman, West Palm Beach police range officer. "We use the gun that works best. Trust me, that saves lives, too."
marc_caputo@pbpost.com
Saturday, April 15, 2000
Palm Beach County's sheriff balks at requiring locks on deputy's guns
By Marc Caputo
Palm Beach Post Staff Writer
Palm Beach County's sheriff won't require his deputies to buy their guns from manufacturers who sell firearms with trigger locks.
"I'm not in a position to mandate that on our officers," Sheriff Robert Neumann said in response to a county commission proposal that area cops support trigger-lock makers.
Undaunted, Commissioner Burt Aaronson said he'll still push for the non-binding resolution Tuesday. Aaronson, emboldened by strict gun-control laws recently passed in states like Maryland, hopes increased police support for trigger locks will pressure national gun makers to put safer weapons on the market.
"We need to do everything we can to keep little children from shooting their brothers and sisters," Aaronson said.
"This is not a symbolic gesture."
But the proposal may be just that with Neumann's refusal to require his deputies to only purchase from so-called "safe" gun makers. Neumann said he doesn't oppose the idea; it's just too difficult to mandate it on nearly 1,600 armed employees.
Unlike sheriff's deputies who buy their own guns, West Palm Beach police are issued Glocks by their department. Seldom sold with trigger locks, Glocks are a particular favorite among police because of their light weight and accuracy. Replacing the $450 firearm would be cost prohibitive.
Boca Raton police officer Jeff Kelly said that department issues officers Sig Sauers, a pistol that's sold with trigger locks. Boynton Beach police Lt. Gregory Been said his force dispenses Smith & Wessons.
Most police like the idea of gun safety, however they don't know if they should be the political standard-bearers for the fight.
"This is obviously a political hot potato," said Bill Sandman, West Palm Beach police range officer. "We use the gun that works best. Trust me, that saves lives, too."
marc_caputo@pbpost.com