Update-North Cty Govt Ctr--LTC info and Firearm Lockers

[John-Pa]

I had Jury duty the week of July 12th. Since I have a LTC issued by the prior Sheriff and set to expire next year I dedcided to talk to Sheriff Personnel about my renewal of the LTC. I also decided to inquire about their Firearms Locker practice. Some points of what I found out:

1. I was promptly informed by Sheriff personnel at front desk that there is no longer a LTC renewal. All applications are considered as if a first request.
2. Do not try to renew prior to 60 days of expiration. You will get a reminder notice.

3. I decided to try and enter the Government Center (Court) by going to the side employee entrance. I figured this entrance was closest to the Sheriffs Department and probably would Facilitate checking in a firearm.
WRONG. Door was locked and a Deputy promptly told me to use and check any firearm through the main front entrance.

4. Up to the Front entrance I go. Signs on both front doors indicate no firearms beyond this point. A sign WAS NOT posted (as required by Pa Code) that a firearm lockering system was available.

5. Since I was not "carrying" I went inside to go through security for Jury Duty at 7:45am. An employee was sitting in a booth between both Metal detectors. He told me no admission before 8:00am. I said ok but I would like to ask a question about checking in a firearm. His response: "Leave it at Home". I said that state law is very specific on this issue and Northampton County must provide the lockers. I spot a deputy escort I worked with many years ago in Bethlehem. I said, Hi to him and in an instant the guy in the control booth changed his attitude.

He then goes on to describe the procedure. Announce to control booth "agent" that you wish to locker a Firearm. Do not go through metal detector until told to do so. Deputy will arrive to process. Must leave LTC and drivers license with the pistol until retrieval. Prior to the new sheriff, I understand the firearm was just lockered without the ID left with the firearm. My guess--and only my guess the Sheriff's dept is now running a check on the LTC, firearm and Drivers License and recording this information. Just my suspicion. Guy at Control booth also identified himself as former cop. He said that, Easton isn't a dangerous place and no real need to bring a firearm with you. I laughed at his comment and ended contact with him.

Anyway, I enter at 8:00, report to Jury Duty.

My suspicion is that the new Sheriff (former City of Bethlehem Chief of Police) is less LTC friendly that the prior Sheriff.

[gnbrotz]

Must leave LTC and drivers license with the pistol until retrieval.

There is no basis in law for this requirement. I wonder what would happen if someone who had neither document attempted to check a non-concealed firearm - or for that matter, some other weapon (like a knife or OC spray) that did not require a license and was not prohibited by law but not permitted past security? If I were closer, I'd find out.

[shooter357]

If Easton isn't a dangerous place then there is no need for the fine police department they have. There was a segment in the Armed Citizen in American Riflemen that took place in Easton.
AS to the ID being left with the gun, they can kiss my ass.

From my last trip there: http://www.paopencarry.org/forum/oc-...ouse-t-41.html