SANFORD, Fla. (AP) — The police department in the Florida city where Trayvon Martin was killed says that while it recommends that neighborhood watch volunteers not carry weapons, it won’t formally prevent volunteers from doing so.
Sanford Police Chief Cecil Smith says the program will better train participants but won’t infringe on someone’s constitutional right to carry a gun. Smith spoke Tuesday to clarify the agency’s policy, days after the department said it would work to ensure volunteers weren’t carrying weapons.
Smith says anyone who carries a gun can still participate in the neighborhood watch program, and no one will be asked if they have a concealed weapons permit. But block captains will be required to sign a waiver saying the city will relinquish liability if they decide to carry a weapon.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.