The city’s newly created gun ordinance that took effect Monday not only allows a household to have an unlimited number of registered guns each month but also does not prohibit felons from using them.
The city’s newly created gun ordinance that took effect Monday not only allows a household to have an unlimited number of registered guns each month but also does not prohibit felons from using them. According to Chicago police Supt. Jody Weis, a felon living in the home with a registered gun owner, could use a registered handgun as self-defense without possibly facing charges. “Homeowners with felons living in their homes are not prohibited from purchasing handguns,” Weis said at a Monday news conference. “And should someone break into the home a felon who lives at the home could defend himself if necessary.” However, Weis said citizens should not purchase any handguns until they receive a Chicago Firearms Permit from the Chicago police. Those already with handguns have a 30-day grace period – starting from Monday – to register their guns with the Chicago Police Department, but should not bring their guns to police headquarters to pick up a CFP application, which can also be downloaded online at www.chicagopolice.org. That means a convicted felon could have another household member, such as a spouse, sibling or an adult child, obtain a CFP and then purchase a handgun with the intent of using it. Admitting that the new ordinance is not flawless, Weis said it’s a start and that the ordinance could be revised if necessary. Under the ordinance, the city has 120 days to process permits, but after six months it must complete processing within 45 days. And applications must be submitted in person at Chicago Police Headquarters, 3510 S. Michigan Ave. The Rev. Jesse Jackson, founder of the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, supports the city’s new ordinance but had originally opposed the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the Chicago’s handgun ban. “Now is not the time for more access to guns that leads to more violence and death in our communities,” he said in a statement. “Now is the time for stricter gun control, more access to jobs and job training and more access to high quality education and health care.” Aside from felons, people with two or more convictions for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs or for domestic violence are not eligible to receive a firearm permit through the city, even if the conviction was a misdemeanor, said Roderick Drew, news affairs director for the Chicago Police Department. At Defender press time, 75 people had already applied for a CFP, Weis added. And while one registered gun per person would be allowed at each home, Wesis added that if eight eligible adults live in one home then eight guns could be registered each month. “Believe it or not, we are trying to make registering handguns in Chicago as easy as possible,” he said. “Handguns are only allowed inside the home and not on the porch, garage or backyard.” Wesis added that it is still illegal to walk around with a gun even if it is registered and when transporting the gun from the gun shop or a gun range, there are procedures that gun owners must also follow. Copyright 2010 Chicago Defender.
Photo: Defender/Worsom Robinson
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