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Oregon: approval of restrictions on carrying a gun could limit police action

Michelle Duncan, Linn County sheriff, expressed fears that officers could be charged if they do not abide by the rule that would require them to obtain a carry permit when off duty.

Policía de Oregon

Oregon Department of Transportation

Published by
Verónica Silveri Pazos

Oregon police are concerned that the BM 114 ballot measure will go into effect, as it could limit their job capabilities. The law would not allow them to carry magazines of more than ten rounds of ammunition in their weapons and would require them to obtain a carry permit when off duty.

Eugene County Police Chief Chris Skinner criticized the lack of clarity in the rule, as there is confusion as to what obstacles officers might face when off-duty:

There are many unanswered questions that we hope to clarify. What does this mean for our off-duty officers, who are often asked, and in some cases by policy required, to be armed off-duty as well? I want to make sure that we have as much information as possible rather than having to constantly modify the guidance to agents in the field.

The measure also requires special instructions for officers on both state and federal firearms laws, safe storage, the effects of suicide and homicide in communities, and how to report lost or stolen firearms, as well as an in-person demonstration of how to lock, unload, fire and store a gun.

Risk of indictment and detention

Linn County Sheriff Michelle Duncan told Fox News that her department is already trying to purchase the 10-round magazines for officers to carry when they are off duty for fear of suffering a charge that would jeopardize their police certification:

We don't want them to be able to be charged in another jurisdiction, which could jeopardize their police title and their job, so we will look into getting them smaller capacity chargers for when they are off duty.

BM 114 was approved by popular vote on November 8, 2022 with 50.65% of the votes. It was supposed to go into effect on December 8, but was stopped by a temporary restraining order (TRO) issued by Judge Richard S. Raschio on December 6.

The case in which Raschio handed down his decision was brought by the Gun Owners of America (GOA) and the Gun Owners Foundation, among others. Breitbart News contacted GOA officials and they noted that the TRO is still in effect and a decision on the ban is expected.

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