CHARLESTON ,W.Va. — The head man of the Capitol Police doesn’t believe a new law which makes an adjustment to the conceal carry permit for firearms will have any impact on security at the capitol complex. The legislature passed a measure which would allow anyone with a conceal carry permit to leave a firearm in their vehicle while it is parked on the grounds of the state capitol in Charleston.
“We don’t believe it really will,” said Kevin Foreman the Director of Capitol Security. “We keep a pretty close eye on folks who work and visit here, as far as keeping our campus safe and secure, but we don’t think it’s going to change anything significantly.”
The minor adjustment will enable those with a conceal carry permit to make a visit to the capital without fear of being in violation. They would not be allowed to carry the gun on their person while entering the Capitol, but leaving it in the car would be authorized as long as their permit is valid.
Foreman said it’s never been that big of an issue to begin with.
“We’ve had a couple of those that I’m aware of and that’s it,” said Forman. “I’ve been here three years now and we’ve only had two that I can remember.”
Foeman said it’s likely, much like anywhere, some were already leaving them in the vehicle in violation. However, unless the security had a reason to check, there would have been no way to detect the firearm being presence in a parked vehicle.