Monday, February 6, 2012

Wichita police officials are voicing their concerns over a bill moving through the state legislature that would make knives like switchblades and machetes legal in Kansas.

It is currently illegal to sell or carry any knife over four-inches long or one that's spring-loaded. House Bill 2584 would make it legal to sell and carry those weapons, including daggers, straight-edged razors, stilettos and large knives. The bill would also prevent local governments from adopting their own ordinances.

Wichita Police Deputy Chief Tom Stolz says he worries about the safety of officers who are called to the scene of a stabbing. In 1997, Sedgwick County Sheriff Sgt. Ken Snider was stabbed to death while responding to a domestic disturbance.

Stolz says the current law is proactive. If officers find someone carrying a large knife or switchblade, they can arrest that person before a serious crime is committed.

"So even if you haven't stabbed anybody or used it, we can still charge you with a misdemeanor crime and hold you accountable for your actions," said Stolz.

Right now, the bill is in the Corrections and Juvenile Justice Committee and hasn't yet been debated. If and when the debate does happen, Wichita police say they will make sure they will have a seat at the table.