Local law enforcement speak out about ‘Open Carry’ law

Columbia, SC (WOLO) — With a new law on the books allowing adults 18 and older who can legally purchase gun, to now openly carry it has many people talking, including some local law enforcement agencies. A few of them reminding people that even though the Constitutional Carry bill does not require those who chose to have it on their person to be trained on how to use it, they are asking people to be responsible.

Kershaw County Sheriff’s Lee Boan acknowledges that there are mixed reviews about the new law and says,

While The Columbia Police Department did not mention the newly enacted Open Carry law specifically they have posted a story on their Facebook page reminding people about proper gun storage. The story announcing their partnership with the Columbia organization ‘Be Smart for Kids’, just days before the measure was passed by both the House and the Senate and signed into law by Governor Henry McMaster.

The organization using the word ‘SMART’ as an acronym for five ways to keep your firearm out of the hands of children. “S” for Secure all guns in your home or vehicle, “M” for Model responsible behavior around guns, “A” for Asking about unsecured guns in the homes of others, “R” reminding gun owners to recognize the role of guns in suicides and finally “T”, asking residents to Tell your peers to be smart.

The new law went into effect immediately after being signed by Governor Henry McMaster Thursday.