Manatee County NAACP Opposes County Employees Carrying Guns

Bradenton FL

27 May, 2022

11:18 AM

Description

MANATEE COUNTY, FL — The Manatee County NAACP opposes a proposed ordinance that would allow county employees to bring guns to work. In March, Commissioner James Satcher proposed a policy that would allow county workers with concealed carry permits to carry their guns while on the clock. The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners voted 6-1 to consider the proposal after the board's summer break. Commissioner Reggie Bellamy was the sole 'no' vote against such a policy. During this time, County Administrator Scott Hopes and attorney Bill Clague will review Satcher's proposal and draft a policy that commissioners can consider at a late-July meeting. Related: County Staff Could Bring Guns To Work If Manatee Leaders OK Policy "We … believe this proposed action is simply asking for trouble and creating a potentially Wild West environment. We along with most Americans believe citizens have the right to bear arms; however governmental institutions without a law enforcement foundation and focus should not be the place to allow employees to carry firearms," the Manatee County NAACP said in a news release. "County employees provide a paid services to county residents which does not require the presence of firearms." The organization said commissioners should consider scenarios where county employees might shoot citizens or coworkers, creating a dangerous work environment. "A better solution for the county would be to institute metal detectors at entrances and continue to utilize full-time paid law enforcement officer during business hours as used during commission meetings," the NAACP said. "There are better solutions than what was proposed. Let's show our humanity, common sense and put on our good governance hats!"