Law Enforcement has the responsibility of taking into consideration all sides of the argument to create a safe environment for all citizens. As the argument of gun control and children is explored further, new legislation is being introduced. The new legislation for Maryland includes the inability to have a permit to purchase, register, be licensed to own, or to carry any shotguns or rifles. Maryland recognizes permits of guns from no other states, while 19 other states recognize Maryland permits. Within the state of Maryland, Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, Montgomery County, Gaithersburg, and Baltimore are known to have local firearm regulations. Also, Maryland residents are only allowed to purchase handguns manufactured after January 1, 1985 that are on the “approved handguns list” from the Maryland Handgun Roster.
There are specific laws that Maryland has enacted in order to try and prevent child harm. The Child Access Prevention, CAP, laws were placed in order to place criminal liability on adults who give children unsupervised access to firearms. In Maryland, but not all states, this law makes parents liable by mere access to the firearm; the child does not have to use the gun for the parent to be charged. Maryland defines a child or minor as anyone under the age of 16. Exceptions to this law include if the child is supervised by someone over the age of 18, if the child accessed the firearm after unlawful entry, if the firearm is possessed by a law enforcement officer engaged in official duties, or if the child has a hunter and firearm safety certificate. This forces parents who wish to own guns to not only watch over their children, but to also educate their children about the safety of these firearms.
The regulations in Maryland are creating controversy among citizens; some see the legislation as an attempt to keep citizens safe, however other citizens are speaking up, claiming them to be “unjust.” The Law Enforcement personnel implement laws that they believe to be an effective way to prevent citizen gun violence. The Maryland State Police's mission is to serve to the people of this state and all those who visit it. Police have produced a strategic plan that includes actions to protect citizens, prevent criminal acts, and provide the highest quality of law enforcement anywhere. While not all agree with the laws implemented by the officials, the government has to do what they believe will protect children and other citizens.