Gun safety is the topic of the day Nov. 19.

Missouri Southern will offer an eight-hour Firearms Safety Class on Nov. 19, which satisfies the training requirements for the “Conceal and Carry” statute in Missouri.

This training course has been approved for Barton, Jasper, Lawrence, McDonald and Newton County residents.

“The Conceal and Carry class for law enforcement is really your Conceal and Carry class two years ago,” said Wayne Thomason, director of the Law Enforcement Academy. “The Missouri State Legislature passed a law allowing citizens of the state of Missouri to carry a concealed weapon. As part of that legislation, they mandated that the citizens attend an eight-hour training session and to receive that training prior to applying for their Conceal and Carry permit through their local Sheriff’s Department.”

Thomason said the University offers the community a place to train.

“We have excellent facilities here at Missouri Southern,” he said. “We have an indoor range, we have two firearms training simulation systems and that allowed us to be in the forefront to develop and provide this training.”

Southern was the first university in Missouri to offer a Conceal and Carry class.

“There was that need and they decided to fill it so it would be beneficial to the community as well as the people they select to be instructors,” said Ken Kennedy, manager of the Department of Public Safety.

“As part of that, we worked with local police chiefs and sheriffs and we not only provided what was mandated in the legislation, but from input from local police chiefs and sheriffs, we added a couple of things that were unique to our program here at Missouri Southern,” Thomason said.

The course covers the laws concerning concealed carry, as well as in-class training.

The requirements to receive a permit are that one has to be at least 23 years of age, has to have a clean conviction history and has to be a resident of the county that he or she applied for the permit in.

“There are certain areas where citizens cannot carry a concealed weapon. It is important that the citizens know the information,” Thomason said. “The information is specifically covered in the classroom session. Places such as schools, public stadiums, sporting events, churches and courthouses are some of the places which citizens cannot carry weapons. The legislation also provides that any business owner can post a sign and say that concealed weapons are not allowed in their specific business.”

Citizens can use the Conceal and Carry law to make a citizen’s arrest.

“When can you use force for making an arrest, when can you use deadly force, when can you use non-deadly force is all spelled out in the legislation so it’s critical that people who are going to be carrying a concealed weapon are aware of the law itself regarding those issues,” he said.

Thomason said the legislature thought it was important that the citizens know the philosophies behind the use of guns.

“Part of the legislation that was mandated was how to secure firearms in your residence,” he said. “We go over the various types of locking devices that are available and how to use them.”

The training session also discusses the need for knowing the proper handling of stored guns.

“We go over the importance of doing a self-assessment test because everybody is different and you know your home is different than my home,” Thomason said. “We stress the importance of going through that home and dong a self assessment and so that you can assure that your firearms are stored in a safe manner that will keep them out of the reach of children.”

The home environment is discussed in detail.

“A lot of that how to handle it and how to use it how to keep it safe a firearm from young children is also taught.” Kennedy said.

One part of the session will also discuss how to handle a gun on the range. The students will also learn how to clean the guns through a workstation provided for them.

The class is offered two times during a semester. It is offered during the day and evening. It is worth three credit hours.

“No one should carry a concealed firearm without the permit it is not only dangerous but also illegal,” Kennedy said.

The cost of the course is $95. Participants are required to bring their own firearm, eye protection, ear protection, and 50 rounds of ammunition. Participants who do not supply their own firearm and ammunition must pay an additional $25 charge.

Students will be tested on target accuracy and on their efficiency with both a semi-automatic pistol and a revolver.

The fee for the course must be prepaid. To register and prepay for the course contact, Brenda Norman at (417) 625-9328 or e-mail her at [email protected]. Norman’s office is located in Mills Anderson Criminal Justice Center, Room. The class will begin at 8 a.m. in the Criminal Justice Center Room 125.