EXCLUSIVE: Police guns banned in Pinellas courthouses

[Joe]

That's not what this is about. The chiefs want their on-duty uniformed officers to be allowed to carry their weapons when they are in the court building. Not off duty or plain clothes oficers.

[pampaislie]

typical crazy backwards

[Jim J]

I can not believe that there is a rule to not permit Police Officers from bring his Gun in the court room. This is the wrong they should carry their Guns at all times to protect us all. Change this rule now.

[kurtp]

I hope that the police refuse to come to court until this ridiculous policy is overturned.

[the Brewers]

Who is in with the criminals the people put thre to protect the citizen or a low life that decides on his crazy way. Keep the courthouse or any where else crime can be committed by our police.

[Richard]

Sorry but a police officer is a police officer and cant see a problem with officers keeping weapons in courthouse. If the deputies needed assistance that would put the officers in harms way and this is not right. Besides they all go thru the same training. The Sheriff is not thinking maybe he has a control problem elections will fix that

[Capt Jim]

Sue wrote:

<quoted text>
You need to read the article again, they don't want to disarm the sheriffs that protect the courthouse they want to disarm other law enforcement coming into the courthouse. I for one agree, what if Mr. policeman is there for his divorce hearing, is packing and goes off in the hearing and pulls it out. I don't know for sure but I'd hope that the deputies in that situation have someone aware that they have a hearing and are taking precautions to prevent such an issue. Judges are carrying if they wish to and a lot of them do. They aren't talking aobut disarming court security they're talking about controlling other law enforcement that come into the buildings and want to hold onto the piece. I agree that only the court security should be carrying.

So you don't want me to carry in the court house but it's allright to carry out in the field to protect you. That is one stupid statement.

[Sharon Jacobs]

Both my husband and I were Sheriff's Deputy's in Il in the 60's and 70's and we always took our weapons into the court house it gave extra protection to the judges and the people in the court room. We were required to take our weapons everywhere. We must carry a weapon no matter where we went. The court house or out to dinner. Did not matter I feel that the local officers should be allowed to take their weapons into a court house at any time. Officers are very aware of the gun on their hip or in a shoulder holster anyone trying to take it away would have trouble. And in todays society you need even more protection in a court room.

[nakal]

I agree that it is a counterproductive rule. However, the results I've seen of the Clearwater police firing their weapons does not inspire confidence. My belief is that the city should fund more mandatory range time.

Thanks.

[Tampa Joe]

Sharon Jacobs wrote:

Both my husband and I were Sheriff's Deputy's in Il in the 60's and 70's and we always took our weapons into the court house it gave extra protection to the judges and the people in the court room. We were required to take our weapons everywhere. We must carry a weapon no matter where we went. The court house or out to dinner. Did not matter I feel that the local officers should be allowed to take their weapons into a court house at any time. Officers are very aware of the gun on their hip or in a shoulder holster anyone trying to take it away would have trouble. And in todays society you need even more protection in a court room.

Sharon thanks for your service!!
Sorry some of today’s idiots are losing their dang minds when it comes to common sense!!

[CPD spouse]

My husband has been a LEO for 14 years and has made comments along the lines of "Why are the Bailiffs the only ones allowed to carry?" It is a valid point.
Don't ALL these officers..S.O., Largo, ST Pete, Tarpon, and Clearwater(sorry if I missed anyone) go thru the same training? All these "bad guys" see is a uniform. They don't notice if that particular uniform includes a firearm.
We wives have enough to worry about, so just make safer(and fair)and just let ALL LEOs carry. What is this, a Control issue with the Sheriff at the helm?

[WTF]

Someone is smoking the ole crack pipe again...

[Tampa PoPo]

cops, with the support of their department's legal units, maybe the PBA and /or the FOP should file suit for officer's not to have to attend court or be subjected to the threat of being in uniform unarmed in the court...Sounds like a serious officer safety issue.

[ZmanInFl]

What I find stupid is they say as a LEO you are on duty at all times, any situation, to PROTECT and SERVE the community and make safe our streets.. Hum, now you can be on duty at all times but you cant carry your sidearm, next thing they will come up with is "you cant have a sidearm at all, you must carry pepperspray and a baton only as long as you are on the clock and in a marked patrol car, if off the clock or in a unmarked car you can not have ANYTHING"..

And before I get slammed for my comments I know it only pertains to the Court House but it starts there and where will it end..

[harve of clearwater]

STUPID,Who thought this one up,must have been one of our "BRIGHT" commissioners

[GMD]

Actually, Brian, they are not allowed to carry even if they are in the courthouse "doing law enforcement things." Only bailiffs and PCSO are allowed to carry inside the courthouse, period. IF a LEO from Clearwater, Largo, Pinellas Park, etc. is there appearing in a courtroom on a case, they are not allowed to carry their weapon.

[Florenda]

I am a law enforcement officer and was recently told by a security guard at Government House that I must secure my weapon before access can be granted. I was at the building to conduct official business and from time to time provide dignitary protection for senators and the like. I've been to dignitary protection training and I'm far more qualified than the guards. I am still trying to make sense of the policy that prohibits law enforcement officers' access onto Government property. You trust us with a gun to roam the streets and protect the public however thinks we are not capable of providing protection in the courtroom or otherwise?

[Kevin]

I agree fully! Police officers are some of the most unstable and uneducated individuals around. Given their proclivity to respond to the slightest criticism with violent force (including dumping a paraplegic from his wheechair) how could we expect them not improperly discharge their weapons anytime someone challenges them or something goes against them in court. There are plenty of court personnel who are armed and trained to handle courthouse incidents. We don't need a lot of jack-booted thugs and yahoos in the courthouse as well.