Police criticize state firearms permit board

Associated Press

Updated: Feb 6, 2013 7:38 AM

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (AP) — Connecticut police officials are asking state lawmakers to eliminate the state firearms permit board, saying it too often overturns their decisions on whether someone can carry a gun.

The Board of Firearms Permit Examiners hears appeals of pistol permit decisions made by police or town leaders. The New Haven Register reports that the board has overturned permit denials and revocations in slightly more than half the cases in the past two years.

Last year, the board overturned local officials' decisions in 76 of 146 cases. Milford Police Chief Keith Mello calls those numbers "disturbing" and says local officials put a lot of effort into determining if someone is suitable to carry a pistol.

Board secretary T. William Knapp called some of the reasons local officials deny permits "ridiculous."

___

Information from: New Haven Register

Copyright 2013 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Political Pulse