The Associated Press
CONEMAUGH, Penn. (AP) - Officials in a Cambria County community are receiving criticism for revising the municipality’s gun policy to require officers to leave their service weapons at the police station at the end of their shifts.
After an officer in neighboring Johnstown was charged with killing his girlfriend with his service weapon, East Conemaugh decided to require its officers check-in their handguns before they go off duty.
Dennis Wise, president of the American Federation of Police, said he has never heard of such a policy in his 30 years as an officer.
“That’s a no-no,” Wise said. "(Police) are targets to begin with. Every crackpot will be looking to take a shot at them on their way home.”
Departments elsewhere said their officers take their guns with them.
“Our (troopers) don’t give up their weapons,” said Jack Lewis, spokesman for the Pennsylvania State Police. “It’s a benefit to public safety if our troopers are carrying weapons, even if they’re not on duty.”
Northern Cambria Police Chief Kevin Stanek said police are police 24 hours a day.
“If you witness a misdemeanor or felony, you can make an arrest,” Stanek said.
Officers in Northern Cambria are always on call and Stanek said it would cost time if an officer had to first go to the station to get a weapon.
Craig Knepper, 35, remains jailed on homicide charges in the fatal off-duty shooting of Susan Fyock, 33, on June 10. He resigned from the East Conemaugh police department after his arrest.
Steve Coy, president of the borough council, said the policy may be revised, although council defended it.
Council was concerned that some of its part-time officers who work in other municipalities may use their Conemaugh-owned weapons, which may create a liability.