Detroit Police Unions to NFL: Let Off-Duty Cops Pack Heat at Ford Field

November 28, 2015, 8:37 AM

The attacks in Paris have triggered new security concerns around the world.

Here in Detroit, the city's three police union's city’s -- the Detroit Police Officers Association, Lieutenants and Sergeants Association and the Command Officers Association -- want the NFL to change its gun ban at stadiums for off-duty cops and let them pack heat at Ford Field, George Hunter of the Detroit News reports. The unions claims the rule puts lives in danger, and they have the backing of Police Chief James Craig, a gun-rights advocate. 

“This policy is ill-advised and should be rescinded,” said a draft of a letter written by leaders of the city’s three police unions, Hunter reports

“Law enforcement officers often carry a weapon while off duty not only for their own personal protection but to provide a critical response when circumstances call for immediate police action,” said the letter, which had not been sent to the league yet Friday evening as the unions finalize it.

“Current events, not least the unconscionable acts of terrorism we have recently experienced, only add to the desirability of having readily available armed law enforcement officers even if they are not officially ‘on duty.’ ”

The NFL says there's a reason for the ban.

Hunter writes that the  that NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said in an email Friday that security is stronger when stadium officials know which officers are working.

“Off-duty officers attend games as spectators and are unknown to working law enforcement officers and security personnel,” McCarthy said in the email to the News.. “They may not have the same training and do not participate in the weekly preparation meetings. They are not included in the on-site chain of command.

“The well-intentioned display or use of gun(s) could have serious unintended and potentially tragic consequences,” he said.

At Comerica Park and Joe Louis Arena, off-duty cops must check in with a gate attendant, who will record the cop’s seat number, the News reports. Off-duty officers can't bring firearms to the Palace. 

 


Read more:  Detroit News


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