Lincoln Police Chief Joseph Meister:
"I stand with Sheriff Landers" against HB5471

 

[January 12, 2023] 

On January 10, 2023, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed the Protect Illinois Communities Act, effectively banning the sale, purchase and possession of what the legislature has defined as an “assault weapon.” This ban also encompasses the future sale, purchase and possession of high capacity magazines.

This law allows current owners of firearms and magazines in this new classification to retain those firearms, but requires the owner to register the firearm with Ihe Illinois State Police. Violations of this Act are felony offenses, in some cases.

Logan County Sheriff Mark Landers issued a statement, indicating that he is sworn to defend the constitutionally protected rights of the citizens he and his office serve. I stand with Sheriff Landers.

Every Lincoln Police Officer, from Patrolman to Chief, stands before the duly elected representatives of our community and raises his or her right hand before swearing an oath, to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States of America.

Until and unless the 2nd Amendment of the United States Constitution is repealed or changed, every member of the Lincoln Police Department with the authority to exercise law enforcement powers will continue to exercise that authority under the oath they swore

As the Lincoln Police Chief, my law enforcement authority is granted to me by the people of Lincoln and affirmed through my appointment by the Mayor, with consent of the City Council. I will not be a party to disarming them. The job of the Lincoln Police Department is not to search the homes of lawful gun owners who have not committed a crime, or ensure that they register their guns with the State Police. If the Legislature, or Governor, chooses to enforce this law by targeting lawful gun owners in the city of Lincoln, they will have to use their own police force to do so.

[Lincoln Police Chief Joseph Meister]