WMCTV Channel 5 NBC, Memphis, Special report: Mid-Southerners "packing heat"

[Guest db99wj]

http://wmctv.com/Global/story.asp?S=6468154

Special report: Mid-Southerners "packing heat"

Lawmakers across the country are debating concealed weapons laws in response to the massacre at Virginia Tech.

The right to "pack heat" is one that comes with the Constitution, but it's also a source of contention for some in law enforcement.

More people are licensed to carry concealed weapons in Shelby County than anywhere else in the state of Tennessee. Tonight, both sides weigh-in on the high number of people packing heat.

Chris Cope has been packing heat for four years and he wouldn't have it any other way. "There's at least one person who lives in Memphis who's happy that we carry. He's happy he's alive."

Cope was there last summer when police say a grocery store employee, armed with a knife, stabbed eight of his co-workers at the Schnucks on Highway 64.

"It looked like a serial killer movie or something," said Cope.

Cope remembers seeing the attacker about to stab a ninth victim, when he stepped in, armed and ready. "He said I'm crazy and I said I think you're going to be dead and crazy if you don't get on the ground."

Cope used his gun to subdue the suspect until police arrived.

When it comes to packing heat in Tennessee, Cope is certainly not alone.

More than 25,000 people carry guns legally in Shelby County. That's more than twice the number of people packing heat in the county next on the list and a source of contention for some law enforcement officials.

"From the industry perspective of law enforcement executives we are overwhelmingly opposed to the carrying of firearms by citizens," said Michael Heidingsfield with the Memphis and Shelby County Crime Commission.

Michael Heidingsfield runs an agency charged with finding the best ways to combat crime in Memphis and Shelby County.

"The concern is with a greater number of firearms in a neighborhood it could create the likelihood that violence can occur."

Cope believes he stopped the violence with his gun and more and more Mid-Southerners are learning to "cope" with crime the same way he did.

Tennessee makes it easy for them. Anyone over 21 who can pass state and federal background checks - and who is not a convicted felon - can get a license to carry a concealed weapon.

The same rules apply in Arkansas and Mississippi. "I'm glad there are laws out there that allow you to carry a weapon," said Cope.

As long as it's legal, Chris Cope will keep carrying and you can bet thousands like him will keep getting permits to pack heat.

They did not mention the 8 hour class.

The 2nd largest number of permit holders is Davidson county, with eleven thousand something permit holders

[saintsfanbrian]

Gee, couldn't have anything to do with Memphis being the carjacking capital of the world. The fact that we have had how many murders already this year? I think even if they took away the permit and made it illegal, many people in this area would still back heat.

[towerclimber37]

can you blame them Brian? there are more and more instances of people defending themselves these days..and the stark contrast between those who are able to defend themselves and those who aren't is being pointed out more often.

[Guest httytddy]

"From the industry perspective of law enforcement executives we are overwhelmingly opposed to the carrying of firearms by citizens," said Michael Heidingsfield with the Memphis and Shelby County Crime Commission.

.........in other words, he said "From the industry perspective of law enforcement executives we are overwhelmingly opposed to the United States Constitution".

[Guest CrazyLincoln]

Yet another instance of the media playing to slang terms. Thugs "pack heat". Citizens carry protection.

[towerclimber37]

law enforcement executives

This is where they make the mistake....a police officer is not an executive...he's a police OFFICER...he serves the needs of folks that are in trouble....he doesn't sit in an office...at least all the police officers I know that are worth a plug do.

In my opinion..we need more PEACE officers..not POLICE officers.

Give them a little more latitude to use their common sense.

[Punisher84]

Great! I'm glad they cleared that up! Fantastic! I am thrilled to know we "PACK HEAT"! Anyone wanna sign up for the Tn Heat Packing Class?? How about the Heat Packing Guard classes? I just got back from TR's Fighting Gat class! What the hell people?! Morons, we are surrounded by morons!!! Law enforcement opposed to citizens carrying guns legally? YEA ONLY THE RETARDED ONES!!! I'm to mad to type anymore, I'm gonna go lay down. Pestilence and plague upon the reporters who delivered that sham!

[Guest 0down]

Well he has done a bang up job with crime in Memphis.

[saintsfanbrian]

Typical BuZZ word media. If you can't dazzle them with brilliance, baffle them with BS

[Guest Voodoo_1]

"From the industry perspective of law enforcement executives we are overwhelmingly opposed to the carrying of firearms by citizens," said Michael Heidingsfield with the Memphis and Shelby County Crime Commission".

I saw this report last night and the more I read the above quote, who exactly are the law enforcement executives this guy is talking about. The Police Director? The Chief of Police? Suburia Police Chiefs?

This statement just seems awful strange since every cop I know and have talked with is behind citizens carrying firearms 100%. Hell, my cop neighbor is the very person who stayed on my case to get a carry permit. He told me " we as police officers in this city can only react to the crime after it is committed. In other words, I will be reacting to your dead body laying in the street because some thug decided to shoot you." That woke me up.

I'm wondering if this guy, Heidingsfield, is just having a case of diarrhea of the mouth.

I would sure like to know what the Police Directors stance is on this issue!

[Guest 0down]

They are bureaucrats with badges.

[towerclimber37]

Sounds like someone needs a new police chief.

[Guest Len]

:D on the use of "packing heat" EVERY TIME a reference was made to legal carry of firearms! Do they use the phrase "dancing with Mary Jane" when they refer to medicinal use of marijuana? I dont think so! Argh! The state of local TV news just cant get much worse.

Also, the "story" (I use quotes because we'd fail an Intro to Journalism student who wrote that as an assignment here) draws out an interesting point that could stand some further illumination in the press: The disconnect between the views of law enforcement administration (police chiefs, etc.) and law enforcement officers ("cop on the street") when it comes to lawful carriage of firearms by citizens. The statement "From the industry perspective of law enforcement executives we are overwhelmingly opposed to the carrying of firearms by citizens," is either taking a position against the Constitution, or a mis-quote. (Knowing the quality of local TV news, it could easily be either.)

Finally, note the dreaded use (or misuse) of statistics possible here. Shelby County has (by far!) the most carry permit holders of any county in TN, and also has the worst violent crime of any TN county. So, where's the causality? More permits = more crime or more crime = more permits. Depends on what side of the debate you are on. Read statistics with caution. The numbers are probably pretty accurate, but what the numbers *mean* is open to interpretation. I use examples such as this in class all the time. Stats don't point to causality. I know I'm preaching to the choir here, but I felt the need to preach after reading that piece of s--- they call a "news story." Edward R Murrow is probably turning over in his grave...

[Guest 0down]

He is not a police chief.

The Crime Commission is a nonpolitical and nongovernmental organization that offers perspective, advocacy and facilitation to the community and criminal justice system to implement model crime/fear reduction strategies. MSCC is a nonprofit 501©(3) organization

[saintsfanbrian]

I'm sorry, but when will the Memphis and Shelby County Crime Commission realize that until they start prosecuting and sentencing to the FULLEST extent of the law the perpetrators of crimes there will ALWAYS be a crime problem and ALWAYS be a NEED for citizens to carry firearms to protect themselves. Once the crime is eradicated from our city, then and ONLY then can people feel safe enough to not NEED to carry a firearm.

[Guest CrazyLincoln]

I dunno about you, but "packing heat" for protection sounds more like someone's wearing their IcyHot Kevlar.

[Guest Len]

I dunno about you, but "packing heat" for protection sounds more like someone's wearing their IcyHot Kevlar.

[Guest GT_Rat]

I'm wondering if this guy, Heidingsfield, is just having a case of diarrhea of the mouth.

He's a reporter isn't he?

[towerclimber37]

He is not a police chief.

so he's an amateur huh? sheesh...The journalist here obviously found an organization that conforms to leftist ideals so they could put exactly what he wanted to say..not the objective facts.

thats pretty sad.

[Guest db99wj]

Godwin, the MPD police chief said on the air, back when the other guy in the story subdued the perp (Bonus for use of police speak!) at the Schnucks that he was behind law abiding citizens that have carry permits.

Here is more of the story series of "Taking Back our Neighborhoods" Alot of it is about N'Hood watch programs, but Part IV does mention the use of force in you home. From what I remember, I only saw part the MPD chief and the Shelby County Deputy Chief were supportive of gun owners. I will have to watch it all and see for sure.

I'm watching it tonight, but I have to go help get the kids in bed.

Here is the link http://wmctv.com/Global/category.asp?C=92249&nav=menu59_2_13

You need to use IE to watch it, it doesn't or didn't like my Firefox.

[Guest jackdog]

This is one of those times when it would be a good idea to start nailing the media with emails and letters about their bias BS. Every time we as the gun community, let this crap slide by with out calling these fools to task we lose ground. Can anyone post their addresses so we can give them an ear (eye Full). Also it might be helpful to send letters to their competitive news stations.

[Guest Len]

http://wmctv.com/Global/story.asp?S=209759

has all their contact info.

The station is owned by a big media company (no shock here...)

Their info is here: http://www.raycommedia.com/newcontact/

This is one of those times when it would be a good idea to start nailing the media with emails and letters about their bias BS. Every time we as the gun community, let this crap slide by with out calling these fools to task we lose ground. Can anyone post their addresses so we can give them an ear (eye Full). Also it might be helpful to send letters to their competitive news stations.

[Guest jackdog]

Thanks Len, Guess i'll sit down and have a little fun.

[The Rabbi]

Yeah, some of that was just junk. Packing heat? I could see it used once as an enticement for the actual story, but leave it out. Makes us sound like gangsters. I've packed suitcases, laundry bags, grocery bags but never heat. What are they thinking?

Also Shelby county has more permit holders. It also has the largest population in TN. Correlation? You decide. There are any number of things that could account for it, including being more dangerous than anyplace else.

As for the comment by the police authority, so more guns=more crime? No, I dont think so. More gun in the hands of idiots and criminals = more crime. More guns in the hands of licenses law-abiding private citizens=less crime. Someone needs to do his homework.

[Guest db99wj]

From what I have seen over time, there seems to be a disconnect in ideals between the Shelby County Crime Commission and the real cops.

Here is there website, when I did the google search, it had their name and this description

Independent, nonprofit organization working to make Memphis and Shelby County a safer place to live.

http://www.memphiscrime.org/