D.C. Chief: Police Need RAS to Stop Open Carriers in DC

D.C. Police Chief Cathy Lanier has issued more guidance for D.C. police, dealing with the court order in Palmer v. D.C.   That Court decision ruled that the  District's laws against the carry of pistols in public are unconstitutional.   The Chief initially told officers that carry outside of the home was legal for D.C. residents that had legally registered handguns, and for non-residents who could legally carry in their state of residence.   Now she has clarified that officers must have a reasonably articulable suspicion (RAS) of a crime before a person carrying a gun may be legally stopped.  Here is a pdf file of the memo: 

Officers need reasonable, articulable, suspicion of a crime in order to conduct a stop of a person in possession of a firearm.

No one knows when or if a stay to the injunction ordered by the court will be granted.   It appears that one person has already legally open carried in D.C.  All other District laws are in force, such as the prohibition on possession of magazines with a capacity of over 10 rounds.

Caution and research are suggested before a photo op.  At least one group is considering an open carry picnic in the District.

Anyone up for a Open Carry picnic in DC on August 2nd?

Mdshooters.com has started a thread for people who have carried in D.C. to share their experiences.

©2014 by Dean Weingarten: Permission to share is granted when this notice is included.
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