Various guns on display at police technology expo
Various guns on display at police technology expo
JAKARTA (JP): Potential buyers can pick and own the handguns
of their choice during the four-day exhibition on police
technology at the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC) in Central
Jakarta.
The exhibition includes real pistol bullets, teargas handguns,
and rubber-bullet pistols in eye-catching displays.
The gun suppliers are also handing out application forms to
visitors to possess the guns, including details of the required
procedures and qualifications.
A brochure offering various pistols says one only has to
submit his or her photograph, copies of one's ID and family
cards, a letter of good-conduct (SKKB) issued by the city police,
and a letter indicating the employment status of the prospective
gun owner.
National Police spokesman Brig. Gen. Dadang Garnida said the
seemingly simple procedure for members of the public to posses a
gun was formulated in an effort to curb gun smuggling and illegal
gun possession in the country.
"The public is free to own guns so it will be easier to
control (gun possession)," Dadang told reporters on the sidelines
of the opening of the exhibition on Thursday.
National Police deputy chief Maj. Gen. Bimantoro, however,
said that anybody who wished to own a gun still had to go through
a long process.
"One still has to go through a series of tests, including a
psychology test and one's shooting skill," Bimantoro told
reporters.
At the exhibition, the police also handed out brochures that
describe its version of how to posses a gun.
The brochures say that permits to have real pistols for
civilians are only granted to high-ranking bank officials, such
as president directors, president commissioners, commissioners,
presidents, and directors of finance.
Legislators, ministries, governors, cabinet secretaries are
among civilians who are also permitted to possess pistols,
according to the brochures.
The brochures say that a license to own the pistol should be
signed by the National Police chief.
The brochures also show easier requirements for members of the
public who want to own a teargas handgun or guns which use rubber
bullets.
One brochure even says that any jewelry store owners or
directors of finance at a bank can own a teargas gun or rubber
bullet gun after fulfilling some requirements, including the
provision of a letter of good conduct issued by the police.
The exhibition offers various nine millimeters, as well as .40
S&Ws and .22LR caliber pistols priced between US$ 5,000 and US$
6,600.
Various teargas handguns are offered for Rp 23 million, while
rubber bullet guns are offered for Rp 41 million.
Judging from its theme, the exhibition is supposed to display
various examples of the latest technologies in police gun
manufacturing. However, a few displays offer other police
equipment, such as bulletproof vests, footwear and armored
vehicles.
"The National Police is not IT (information technology) or
computer minded, yet," Dadang said.
"If we can say that just 10 percent (of police personnel are
IT or computer-minded) it's already special."
Dadang, however, said that the exhibition was also meant to
promote technology awareness among police personnel.
"There are already one or two crimes relating to computer
technology," Dadang said without elaborating.
"(Being) a police officer without (mastering) technology is
like a toothless tiger." (08)