Police step nearer a new gun right

A bill approved by the U.S. Senate this week puts law enforcement officers in Utah and the rest of the country a step closer to being allowed to carry concealed firearms at all times.

The Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act, which has been forwarded to President Bush for his signature, would allow current and retired police officerswho meet certain qualifications to carry a concealed weapon when not on duty and across state lines.

The bill does not supercede state laws that allow private citizens to ban concealed weapons on their private properties such as schools and churches.

"While police officers may not remember the name and face of every criminal he or she has locked behind bars, criminals often have long and exacting memories which make officers a target in or out of uniform, active or retired, on duty or off," said Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, in a statement.

The bill, co-sponsored by Hatch, defines which officers are eligible to carry a firearm full-time across state boundaries. Current officers must have arrest power and be qualified by their home department to carry a firearm.

Former officers must have at least 15 years experience and be retired in good standing. They must also requalify annually and meet the same firearm qualification standards as active officers in the state in which they reside.

The bill does not allow officers to carry concealed weapons when intoxicated, and they have to have identification with them when carrying the firearm.