Citizens are at times licensed to own handguns, but they are required by the law to conceal these weapons since they are supposed to be used when it comes to protecting oneself or property. Such initiatives are usually aimed at deterring crimes since it is believed no ordinary person or a criminal will risk confronting an individual who is possession of a gun. This paper shall demonstrate the pros and cons of concealed handguns, the arguments for and against this issue and propose a public health policy to deal with this critical health problem.
Essentially, every individual is at risk of injuries or death if not properly trained persons is allowed to possess loaded handguns in public even if these weapons are concealed. Undertrained individuals with licensed guns are a threat to society since they can injure people, harm themselves or get killed if they are not well trained and educated when it is necessary to use a firearm (Phillips et al., 2015). Additionally, it is nearly impossible for authorities to single out the mastermind of any heinous crime due to a large number of guns possessed by persons. According to Stroebe (2015), the law gives the owner power to commit a crime such as killing. As such, allowing citizens to carry concealed guns will also inflict fear to those citizens who aren’t carrying the handguns that they will be attacked by the handgun carriers.
Furthermore, criminals may also be licensed to carry handguns alongside law-abiding citizens. Notably, the criminal might take this opportunity of the relaxed regulations on weapons to acquire weapons alongside law-abiding persons disguising themselves as good citizens who only want to provide security for their families and belongings. It is almost impossible for authorities to distinguish a criminal per face value without a proper ground check. Studies depict that each month; there are reports of killings committed by persons who have a license to concealed weapons (Lang, 2013). Most of the killings are executed by criminals who are licensed to carry the handguns. Also, when arms are held in public places they can prompt mass shooting in case of a misunderstanding since every individual has a weapon to protect himself/herself in the event of any danger. This may lead to large number of people losing their lives simultaneously.
According to Santaella-Tenorio et al. (2016), clear regulations and policy concerning the control of concealed arm helps in addressing the crime, injuries and deaths related to these weapons by reduce their occurences. As such, it is ethical to allow citizens to have weapons to protect themselves and their property. However, Santaella-Tenorio et al. states that the laws have to be clear and specific to help in the implementation of these regulations by the police officers. In contrast, permissive Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) laws do not lessen crime rate, but increase them (Ginwalla et al., 2014). This is because regulations do not provide enough room for a background check and train the persons who purchase guns on how to use them correctly. According to Ginwalla et al. (2014), it is appropriate to give citizens guns, but training ought to be mandatory. Crews et al. (2013), observes that the only way to defeat an evil person with a weapon is allowing a skilled individual to possess a weapon. For instance, to prevent shooting in schools, it is appropriate to have armed officers guarding the schools. However, allowing a large number of people to have concealed weapons in populated places is a recipe for catastrophe. Notably, giving civilian weapon does not provide a solution to the increasing insecurity but creating a security problem.
Recommendations
Allowing citizens to posses concealed guns should not be an option because of its severe consequences on their lives. However, most people will be against this policy because they prefer to defend themselves from any attack. Nevertheless, the official authorities should adopt laws that prohibit use of concealed handguns and impose severe measures and fines against usage of firearms. This policy would be beneficial to persons who do not own a weapon and they follow the law to the latter. As such, this regulation will protect good citizens from ill motive individuals who might want to take advantage of concealed weapons to cause harm.
References
Crews, G. A., Crews, A. D., & Burton, C. E. (2013). The only thing that stops a guy with a bad policy is a guy with a good policy: an examination of the NRA’s “National School Shield” proposal. American Journal of Criminal Justice,38(2), 183-199.
Ginwalla, R., Rhee, P., Friese, R., Green, D. J., Gries, L., Joseph, B., & Wynne, J. (2014). Repeal of the concealed weapons law and its impact on gun-related injuries and deaths. Journal of trauma and acute care surgery, 76(3), 569-575.
Lang, M. (2013). Firearm background checks and suicide. The Economic Journal, 123(573), 1085-1099.
Phillips, C. D., Nwaiwu, O., Lin, S. H., Edwards, R., Imanpour, S., & Ohsfeldt, R. (2015). Research Article Concealed Handgun Licensing and Crime in Four States.
Santaella-Tenorio, J., Cerdá, M., Villaveces, A., & Galea, S. (2016). What do we know about the association between firearm legislation and firearm-related injuries?. Epidemiologic reviews, 38(1), 140-157.
Stroebe, W. (2015). Firearm Availability and Violent Death: The Need for a Culture Change in Attitudes toward Guns. Analyses of Social Issues and Public Policy.
