Last Thursday at Kiwanis in Camden, Robert Earl Garner was the guest speaker for the audience in attendance. Garner spoke on the importance of concealed handguns, what to do in situations where handguns may be required and the availability of enhanced concealed carry. Under Arkansas law 'Enhanced Concealed Carry', permits holders are allowed to carry concealed handguns in churches, colleges, bars and state capitols.
Robert Earl Garner teaches classes on the policies and best practices for concealed handguns. Garner said the stays constantly updated on policies regarding concealed handguns.
Garner teaches standards that come with the responsibility of owning a handgun called 'shoot or don't shoot.' This technique is essentially a step-by-step guideline for an individual if they were in a situation if someone was trying to enter into their home, for example. The main purpose of these techniques and teaching equities regarding handguns is to protect lives and avoid manslaughter. This is accordance and support of Arkansas' 'Stand Your Ground' law passed on March 3, 2021.
Garner went on to give tips about what to do in potentially dangerous public areas. Techniques such as van robbing, leaving notes and striking in less populated areas are all common tactics of criminals, Garner said. Garner describes tactics to identify robbers , helping to either avoid them outright or what to do if a robbing situation were to occur.
He stressed the importance of taking the classes needed to obtain the enhanced concealed carry permit which last about five hours and allow the opportunity for renewal. Live work and testing is required in front of a representative of a state official to pass the availability for a permit.
There are only 15 states that recognize the concealed carry reciprocity where the states honors the concealed permits acquired from Arkansas including Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia. Garner talked about a case pending in the Supreme Court where they couldn't get the concealed handgun permit in New York. Garner mentioned that Republicans are looking to get all 50 states to recognize their fellow state's concealed carry permit, including Arkansas.