A Douglas County Sheriff’s deputy tried to attend a concert at the CenturyLink Center this past weekend. He had his gun on him and thought nothing of it, until workers there told him he could not go in.
Per Nebraska law, a property owner can decide if weapons are allowed on their property. CenturyLink prohibits all weapons.
“Prior to this incident I wasn't even aware this was a policy down there,” said Fraternal Order of Police President, Sergeant Brian Parizek.
He said that off-duty deputies will often carry their firearms and while there is no policy, it is encouraged, “With law enforcement officers we always have a duty and it carries on into our private lives.”
One Douglas County deputy took to twitter, calling for officers to boycott working events at CenturyLink.
Calling all metro area LEOs to boycott working extra-duty at @centurylinkoma until they again allow off-duty LEOs to carry their firearms.
— Sgt. Joseph Martinec (@DCSOMARTINEC) November 30, 2016
“His intent was to say hey, we need to get this discussion out there and if we put a little emotion behind it we can encourage it to go forward,” said Parizek.
KMTV asked people on the street their thoughts on law enforcement carrying their firearms when off-duty.
“I think they should have to, because they are there to protect the public wherever they are, and whenever,” said Glenn Austin.
“I think they should be able to you never know when something is going to happen,” added Lisa Melton.
MECA representatives said in a statement:
We have NOT changed our weapons policy. We allow WORKING law enforcement to carry in the facilities. The policy has always stated that Weapons of any type, even those with conceal carry permits, are prohibited in our facilities. The only exception is for law enforcement officials who are in an official capacity, on duty and working during the event.
Parizek said he hopes this can be a right step in allowing off-duty officers to carry on their property.
“That is our hope in this situation that at least going forward we have this discussion and they reconsider that policy.”
