Deerfield Police Chief Questions Gun Law Training

Though Deerfield Police Chief John Sliozis thinks the actual effects of the new Illinois conceal carry law which became official Tuesday may not be known until sometime next year, he questions whether the required training to obtain a permit is sufficient.

The new law requires 16 hours of training before a person can receive a permit to carry a handgun in public, according to a member of the Illinois General Assembly legislative staff.

“I find it hard to believe that a person could demonstrate proficiency in 16 hours,” Sliozis said. “The dynamics change when confronted with the actual use of a weapon.” He expressed concern for the emotions a person might feel in a real life situation. “You don’t get that on a range.”

When people have an encounter today without a gun, their emotions may flare. Cross words could be exchanged but there is no gun play. “We had a road rage call the other day,” Sliozis said. “Does the dynamic change when there is a weapon?”

Sliozis stressed Deerfield Police officers receive situational training where safety and caution are stressed. “We role play situations,” he said. That is why the chief does not expect his officers to change their behavior significantly when the new law takes effect.

Before an officer goes on a call the person receiving it finds out if guns are in the location or if there other safety factors the police should know. When police approach a person on the street or in a car their caution level may increase because there could be a gun. The new law requires the firearm owner to immediately let the officer know.

“I would expect the officer would be extraordinarily careful. It will increase the level of caution,” Sliozis said. “The permit holder should comply with what the officer asks and be cautious with what they do.”

Though the law is in force now, Sliozis does not believe the actual effects will be felt until early next year at the earliest. “The (apparatus) the state police will use to issue a permit is not in place yet,” he said. “I would expect it will be into 2014 before the first permit is issued.”

Get local news in a daily email from Patch. It's like getting a free newspaper. Learn more and then "like" us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.