Sheriff Challenges Arena Policy That Disarms Cops, Concealed Carriers

By Bob Owens

Spokane (WA) Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich was turned away from the Spokane Arena when he showed up armed and in plainclothes to watch a law enforcement charity game by security guards citing an arena policy that allows no one but uniformed officers to be armed. Knezovich is now challenging the facility’s policy, which he says puts officers and risk and violates a state law that should allow concealed carriers to attend games and events while armed as well.

It all started when concert promoters started telling stadiums and arenas that performers wouldn’t go on stage unless someone could assure their safety.

“We want our guests to feel secure when they are in the building, and we want our employees to have a safe work environment,” said Kevin Twohig, Spokane Arena.

And that’s when the Spokane Arena decided it would install metal detectors. However, when off-duty police officers showed up with concealed weapons, they were turned away.

The arena started looking at ways to allow cops to by-pass the security checkpoints but the restrictive policies were still in place when Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich showed up to watch a law enforcement charity game.

“I went in like I’ve done the past six, seven years,” said Knezovich. “This …Read the Rest

Source:: Bearing Arms