Borough Man Criticizes Police Seizure of Weapon

Is it ever OK for police to seize a legally-carried firearm in the course of conducting a traffic stop?

This question was recently asked by Hellertown resident Ernie Svites Jr. of Morning Call columnist Paul Carpenter, who addresses it in his Feb. 11 column, "Illegal Gun Ordinances are Targeted in Proposed Pennsylvania Law."

Svites wrote that his legally licensed weapon was temporarily seized after he was stopped for speeding, and he referred to the police officer who took the weapon as a "rogue cop."

Carpenter--citing a retired law enforcement source who happens also to be a family member--argues that police have a right to "protect themselves" as long as an arrest has taken place.

"Police cannot violate Second Amendment rights of any citizen frivolously, but if they have arrested someone, for a traffic infraction or whatever, he or she is in their custody, with emotions high, and they are justified in taking steps to protect themselves," Carpenter says.

What do you think? Do you agree with Paul Carpenter? Tell us in the comments section below.