In the debate concerning whether to conduct higher levels of gun control or allow easier access to guns, one of the most heated topics is whether concealed guns help prevent crime by having armed civilians prepared to defend themselves, or whether it leads to crime by providing criminals opportunities to steal or find a weapon.
The fact is that concealed carry provides another means of preventing crime which is much more subtle. No criminal is going to plan their activities when they aren’t sure whether or not someone might be armed. This is especially important in well known gun free zones, such as most schools and colleges.
Fortunately, Texas had the courage to fight back against the anti-gun lobby, and incorporate a law which allows university students to carry weapons on campus. All the ordinary restrictions apply, such as being properly licensed, the license being void during the commission of a crime, and no drinking is allowed while carrying. Students have to complete adequate training to be granted the license, which assures that a student who my not have matured yet or doesn’t understand basic gun safety won’t be allowed a permit. Because the law has been in place for two years, there is enough feedback and information to make a case study of the results of allowing weapons on campus.
According to Texas Tech Police Lieutenant Amy Ivey, “I like to think we’re no longer a targeting opportunity for any such event, such as active shooter, because they know if they come on campus, there could be a potential for an individual to be able to stop the active shooting.”
Police officers understand that as willing as they are to serve the community, they simply can’t predict when and where a shooting may occur. Of course nobody wants a young student to be burdened with the stress of a firefight, so plan A remains the same as with an unarmed school of getting locked into a safe place and waiting for police. However, when the shooter has a different plan in mind, it’s much better that the students can fire back instead of becoming innocent victims.
Of course, nobody can predict every potential set of circumstances. With theater students, for example, it isn’t a good idea to leave a pistol backstage with their street clothes while performing in costume, likewise for a burgeoning athlete while in uniform on the field. Such circumstances simply have to be dealt with on an individual basis, and the assumption is that responsible gun owners have the common sense to do what’s best according to their needs. Certainly a school for people with mental disabilities isn’t a great candidate to allow concealed carry, but those topics are addressed in the permit application process.
In most cases, a campus is going to be safer when criminals realize there are no victims around as the students are going to shoot back.
~ Firearm Daily
