Carrying a concealed weapon may be a completely foreign concept to most people. For others, it is an essential piece of self defence equipment they need to go about their daily lives. For those who do feel the need to carry around a concealed weapon there are a few things that you need to think about. The main one is where you can and can’t carry your concealed firearm.
One of the most important things that you need to consider is that laws will vary by jurisdiction so you need to make sure that you are abiding by the local laws at all times. Even a small mistake or error here could get you into serious trouble in no time.
Here are some places you can’t carry a concealed weapon:
1. Schools
Schools are probably the most obvious place you can’t carry a concealed weapon. This should go without saying, but never bring a firearm into a school under any circumstances. Not only is this extremely dangerous but if caught the consequences will almost certainly condemn you as a criminal with very little to no sympathy from anyone.
The technology employed at sensitive locations like schools can and will identify concealed firearms and alert security with remarkable speed. This rule also applies to school buses as well. When in doubt it is always best to keep firearms away from children and places where children are in large groups. This includes playgrounds amusement parks and other similar locations.
2. Polling stations
This may come as a bit of a surprise but when going out to vote you should leave any weapons at home. If discovered you may be accused of attempting to commit a federal crime at worst and at best intimidate voters, which also has a severe penalty.
3. Courts or other government buildings
The security here will prevent you from bringing a firearm into the building already, but you don’t want to get to that moment where you need to explain yourself. The multi-sensor gateway technology that is used at these secure buildings is second to none and will identify you as a threat almost instantly.
You will likely not be given a chance to explain yourself before you are arrested and even if you were there is no defence for ignoring the many security signs forbidding the possession of firearms on the premises.
4. The airport
Airport security is equipped with some of the most advanced weapon detection sensor technology in the world and even before you get within sight of a metal detector you will likely have been scanned and monitored by an artificial intelligence through the cameras that are everywhere in the building.
Due to the sensitive nature of airports the penalties for concealing a weapon are very severe and even if not convicted of any crime, you may find that your future ability to board a plane is limited. Even if you are there to pick up or drop off someone it is strongly advised that you leave your firearm at home. Simply being in the vicinity of the airport with a firearm is enough to cause concern amongst law enforcement.
5. Hospitals
There is simply no need to bring a concealed weapon into a hospital. All you are doing is bringing a weapon into a building that is already taught with emotion. Also many hospitals have advanced security systems that will detect your firearm and the security will have you arrested or removed from the premises.
There are often criminals admitted to hospitals for violent crimes so the last thing that you want to do is inadvertently give a criminal access to a weapon when they are surrounded by vulnerable people.
6. Nursing homes
Even if you are fully trained in gun safety does not mean that everyone else is. Elderly relatives may not have the same capacity for reason that they once did. For day to day matters, this is unimportant but considering the chance that you may leave your gun unattended when inside could lead to catastrophic results.
7. Places of worship
Anywhere that there is likely to be a large crowd it is typically a bad idea to bring a firearm, especially with the recent mass shooting events at places of worship. If you are discovered with a firearm in a church or mosque your motivations could easily be misunderstood.
8. Police stations
Bringing a concealed weapon into a police station is a very bad idea. Police officers are trained to spot concealed weapons so you will be noticed almost the second that you walk in the door. This could lead to escalating tensions and maybe your arrest, injury, or worse. When in doubt, it is always best to leave your firearm securely at home or in your car.
In summary carrying a concealed weapon can be just as harmful to yourself, others, or your personal freedom. Even if you are in an area that allows you to carry legally, your actions could easily be misunderstood leading to tragic circumstances.
