Open Carry Law Brings New Challenges To Law Enforcement

Oklahoma has a controversial new law on the books. The Open Carry Law allows Oklahomans with a permit to openly carry their firearms in most public places.  

Police officers are used to dealing with armed suspects; now they face new challenges.

"Now cops have even more information they're trying to take in," said Edmond Police Sergeant Jeff Richardson. "Oh my gosh, there's guns everywhere. Who's who?"

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Sergeant Richardson believes seeing armed Oklahomans is going to take some getting used to.

"I don't think it will be only police officers who are going to be watching them more intently," said Sgt. Richardson said. "I think you and my family and everybody will notice a person with a gun on their hip."

Sgt. Richardson took Amanda and me through a very realistic shooting simulation; the same one Edmond police officers use for training. It's much tougher than it looks.

11/1/2012 Related Story: Controversial Open Carry Law Now in Effect in Oklahoma