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Peru to issue semi-automatic handgun licenses in 24 hours

Living in Peru
Israel J. Ruiz

Peru's General Directorate for the Control of Security Services, Guns, Ammunitions and Explosives for Civil Use (DICSCAMEC) is to authorize the issuance of limited-use gun permits for personal safety, reported government news agency Andina.

A recently modified law declares that the country's DICSCAMEC will now be in charge of issuing these licenses.

It was reported that until the law was changed, the Armed Forces Joint Command was responsible for granting the permits.

People wishing to receive a license to carry a semi-automatic handgun must report to Peruvian DICSCAMEC offices, said the state news agency.

Even though DICSCAMEC will be responsible for issuing limited-use handgun licenses, every three months it must provide the Andean country's Armed Forces Joint Command with a list of the people that have been granted a permit.

Authorities affirmed it was a matter of national security.

"This is very important for those interested in carrying this type of weapon, now they won't have to do so much paperwork," said Ricardo Ganiku Furugen, a national police colonel.

"Instead, here at DICSCAMEC, once they have met all the requirements, we'll give them their license in 24 hours."

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# Rachel says :
27 August, 2008 [ 15:55 ]

Isn't it a little bit too late for gun control? Criminals acquire them at the black market and the National Police issues guns to irresponsible and undertrained police officers.

Again, who actually uniformly and consistently enforces the laws? The police are too busy bothering law abiding citizens rather than monitoring for delinquents.

# CapitanDan says :
27 August, 2008 [ 21:14 ]

Rachel sadly you are right. It looks as if the Police realize that they can't protect the citizens. They are leaving it up to us. Personally, I would rather leave my freedom and safety in my hands instead of the poorly trained and corrupted Police. But a good revolver should suffice. If you can't hit the target with 6 rounds you shouldn't carry a weapon. My thoughts. Chau Friends.

# Benjamin Boletcafaro says :
28 August, 2008 [ 00:49 ]

It's very upsetting to see how criminals are dealt with here in Peru. I just moved here 2 weeks ago with my wife and the second day I arrived I was in San Isidro and saw a thief detained by police. They held him on the ground and told the store owner they were going to let him go because since he was stopped before he could actually get away with stealing he can't be taken to jail??? Then I find out later that if you steal less then 3000 sol worth of anything you wont be taken to jail??? Thanks but no thanks to the police in Lima, I'd rather make sure I can protect myself as best I can before I open a business here.

# Phillip says :
28 August, 2008 [ 11:14 ]

Great for shooting Gringos.