Police Chief: Handgun Permits Still Issued in North Savo
Image: YLE
North Savo Police Chief Kari Heimonen quashes the assertion that police in North Savo have stopped issuing handgun permits. Heimonen says permit applications will, however, be scrutinised more closely.
On Thursday evening's episode of the YLE show A-Talk, Varkaus Police Commissioner Jyrki Haapala said the region had decided not to grant any pistol and revolver permits for the time being. Heimonen says Haapala's comments stemmed from a misunderstanding.
On the show, Jyrki Haapala said North Savo police will not grant any handgun permits for at least a couple of weeks, pending further instructions by the Ministry of the Interior. During the show Haapala called the present law on firearms vague and said handguns are too readily available in Finland.
Police do not have the authority to suspend gun permit issuance.