Police not concerned after concealed carry ruling

MAHOMET -- If the ruling stands, that means law enforcement won't be the only people with guns. But that idea doesn't have them worried.

We talked with Mike Metzler, former director at the Police Training Institute in Champaign.

He says concealed carry is covered during firearms training at the facility, but that students are told that concealed carry doesn't apply to gun owners in Illinois.

Metzler is now the police chief in Mahomet.

We asked if today's ruling would affect how he runs his department. He says it will simply make his officers more aware, not worried.

They're already taught how to handle people with guns thanks to the PTI. Metzler also says those who don't own guns shouldn't be worried either.

"There's no reason to concern. Anybody that legitimately looks at the studies that have gone in those areas that have been granted concealed carry permits show that the incidents of violent crime have actually been reduced," he said.

Although Metzler supports the ruling, he's hoping legislators write up a strict law.

He says anyone hoping to carry a gun in public needs to be properly trained. He also wants them to get a background check.

Before directing at PTI, Metzler served on the Urbana Police Department.

And he says no matter what the size of the town, officers shouldn't be worried as long strict rules are put into place.