Report: Cops suggest posting of ''no-guns'' signs in store; Store robbed

Date: 18 Mar 2005
From: John T.
Subject: Perry One Stop

In the Lake County News Herald paper on Tuesday, there was a story about the "no-guns" Perry One Stop gas station being robbed and the female clerk on 3rd shift being pistol whipped.

I work down the street, and someone I know was there. I was talking to the day girl afterwards, and the clerk said someone from the Perry Village or Lake County sheriff stopped by a few months ago and told them they should post the "no-guns" sign. (I am almost sure it was Perry Village, since they are always there, even though it’s in the township). Can they do that? It seems to be a issue with some departments.

The owner also owns the Painesville One Stop, which is also posted. I have given cards to clerks at both places to give to Joe the owner, who never seems to be around.

John T.

Commentary:
Over the past year, OFCC has received and documented other reports of certain police departments appearing in uniform and on duty, encouraging private businesses to post "no-guns" signs. This is surely an abuse of power, and a misuse of taxpayer funds (officers reportedly appear while on duty, and bearing signs that may have been printed at taxpayer expense).

Unfortunately, the officers who have taken this action will suffer none of the consequences of the potential loss of business, and as can be seen in the Perry One Stop example, they certainly won't be there to protect these "no-guns" stores when a criminal ignores the sign and endangers the occupants.