Edina Gun Permits Double Previous Year's Amount

The Edina Police Department saw more than twice the amount of gun permits issued in 2012 than in 2011, according to Police Chief Jeff Long.

In a recent post on his official blog, Chief Long discussed his role in residents' permits to purchase handguns: reviewing every single permit that goes through the department.

Long said the number of permits he issued in the last year is well more than double the amount of permits issued in the 12 months prior to that. He said several residents have asked why he signs so many permits, but noted the police department's role is to enforce laws rather than make them.

"In law enforcement, we are not allowed to use any discretion regarding the law," he wrote. "It’s pretty black and white. We act according to what the law says."

While it's part of his job, Long said he's never actually been all that comfortable signing the stacks of permits that pile up on his desk every week. That's not to say he is opposed to guns, but rather that he questions the current process by which permits are issued.

Working in a police department gives a view into the lives of many. I have signed, as required by the law, permits that cause me to be a little uneasy. Unfortunately, the permit process does not allow for any flexibility. Although a person may fit the guidelines of the law, there are other issues that are not taken into consideration. There are many of you who would not want your name on the permit for a few individuals. And unfortunately many people who commit violent acts have legally purchased their guns.

To learn a bit more about handgun permits and the Edina Police Department's role in the process, check out Chief Long's full blog post on the City of Edina's website.

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