New SC open carry law changes how law enforcement can approach someone with visible gun
BY Herschel Smith
3 years, 2 months ago
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WPDE) — The new Open Carry law went into effect in South Carolina on Aug. 15, which means people can now legally have their handguns visible, as long as they have a concealed weapons permit.
South Carolina law enforcement officers now have to think twice before approaching someone carrying a handgun.
That’s because before the new Open Carry law, police could approach anyone who had a visible handgun in public areas because it was illegal.
Myrtle Beach Police Captain Eric DiLorenzo said there are now other factors to consider before stopping someone with a visible handgun.
For example, police would have to consider if there’s a threat to the public or probable cause.
“A visible weapon with no other factors present does not give police the right to detain someone,” said Capt. DiLorenzo.
Yes, and a thousand times yes. This is correct. S.C. has no stop and identify statute, and simply detaining someone for doing something legal runs afoul of the concept of a “Terry Stop.”
It sounds like someone has been reading TCJ. And let’s hope he and all other CLEOs are training their folks just like this.
On August 19, 2021 at 9:08 pm, Longbow said:
How dare you!?!?!?
If a Policeman see’s a Free Man, carrying a sidearm, and suffers an adverse emotional state, he has an absolute right to stand on that Man’s neck until he FEELS better!
What the hell’s wrong with you?
In the immortal words of Saint Sheriff Teasle, “People start fuckin’ around with the Law, and all HELL breaks loose!”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMkhqF0DgA8
Sounds to me like you don’t support Law Imposement!
I’m sure they’ll be watching’ you…