Letter: Where does prosecuting attorney stand on Constitutional Carry Law?
On March 9, 2022, the Indiana General Assembly passed, and then Governor Eric Holcomb signed on March 22, 2022, legislation allowing “Constitutional Carry” which pursuant to the Second Amendment allows carrying of handguns without licensing or background investigations.
Every police, sheriff, deputy and prosecutors’ organization in Indiana opposed the legislation for their own safety while on duty and protecting us.
Superintendent Douglas Carter of the Indiana State Police testified and urged the legislature not to pass the bill, stating, “I sure hope you choose to show deference to law enforcement professionals that understand the magnitude and the frontline effects of this legislation, rather than the possibility of getting reelected or elected.”
The people of Dubois County must know where their county prosecutor is on this issue. Does Anthony Quinn support carrying handguns without a license or background investigation, or does he support the safety of our people in blue?
Stan Wehr, Huntingburg
Nearly every law enforcement agency, state and local opposed this legislation. From the ISP Superintendent in the Indy Star on February 24, 2022: “This is the problem with the supermajority. It stifles, prohibits, oftentimes limits public debate,” said ISP Superintendent Douglas Carter. “I sure hope you choose to show deference to law enforcement professionals that understand the magnitude and the frontline effects of this legislation, rather than the possibility of getting reelected or elected the next primary.”
Of course they oppose it. I don’t care. I, for one, am very happy knowing that I’ll be able to defend myself and mine without having to wait for a cop to show up AFTER I’ve been assaulted, robbed, or murdered. It’s time citizens start policing for themselves.
So do we even need police then?
The police are needed to protect liberals. Ironically the police are the people the liberal lynch mobs hate the most. Complicated scenario.
Like on Jan 6th? Those liberals?
Some areas do not have local police. You are showing your privilege by asking this question.
“Every police, sheriff, deputy and prosecutors’ organization in Indiana opposed the legislation”. Really? I hear there are nearly 500. Did you take the time to ask them personally? Personal opinion is not real news. Shame on Dubois County Free Press for following CNN and MSNBC right down the drain of junk journalism. Maybe someone will create a legitimate news agency for our area soon.
This is an opinion piece, not written by the Dubois County Free Press. The Indiana State Police Superintendent stated in a hearing before the State Senate: “This is the problem with the supermajority. It stifles, prohibits, oftentimes limits public debate,” said ISP Superintendent Douglas Carter. “I sure hope you choose to show deference to law enforcement professionals that understand the magnitude and the frontline effects of this legislation, rather than the possibility of getting reelected or elected the next primary.”
Law enforcement opposed this law because it puts them at great risk, and makes it harder to convict people of crimes. As a responsible gun owner, I have no problem with getting permit for my gun.
You forgot the part about them opposing it because they will lose money on fingerprinting and background checks.
And the Dubois County Free Press felt it necessary to continue the misrepresentation of truth by framing this bias opinion as newsworthy. One cannot help but notice all of the opinion pieces posted on Dubois County Free Press website seem to lean the same direction. Are other points of view not allowed?
Respectfully, may we point out that your comments are being approved. And if a letter were to be submitted in support of the new law (which several people have already spoken in support of on this thread), we would likely consider it for publication as well. Opinions and editorials have long been a staple in newsprint. Just remember if you submit a letter, please include your name and the city/town where you live in Dubois County.
You do realize you still have to have a background check to purchase a firearm correct? How many people do you know that legally purchased a firearm but wouldn’t pass a CCL background check?
If you have the firearm legally, you’d pass any kind of “licensing” background check.
If you illegally own a firearm, I don’t think you’d be too concerned about getting the concealed carry license.
Very good point
Not totally correct and one that many folks miss (or misunderstand) the ball on. You only have to pass a background check if you’re purchasing…in person…from a dealer of the kind required to do background checks…Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealers, or when having a qualified firearm shipped to an FFL dealer for your pick-up. Private individuals and others not an FFL dealer, whether selling or buying, are not required to do…or pass…a background check, and many (and I mean MANY) firearms are purchased by individuals as discovered through word of mouth, advertisements in newspapers, magazines, at gun shows and online…maybe more than from dealers, though I don’t know the percentages in each category. These are considered legal purchases. So, many folks “that legally purchased a firearm” may well NOT be able to pass a background or CCW permit check. To be clear, a background check IS required at time of pick-up by the FFL in your state of residence before they can release the firearm to you after shipment of an online purchase…so all qualified/mailed online firearms must ship to an FFL dealer/person. Bad part is, not all law enforcement agencies, also to include medical, mental health and others (most cite HIPAA rules as an excuse) share up-to-date information in all databases…not all critical databases read to each other…so certain pertinent info. for certain people may not be/is not available. For what it’s worth, I’ve been an authorized gunowner, carrier, and general 2nd Amendment supporter all my adult life and in different states, but I am against this “open carry,” now to become IN law in July.
Good citizens have to get licenses and permits to own a gun while criminals just get them from their buddy next door no strings attached, seems fair and balanced.
I am one such person. Granted I Live in Illinois, but I am legally allowed to purchase/own firearms(pass background checks ect.) however the great state of Illinois found a way to keep me from being able to carry said firearms. So no just because you can own one does not mean your state will let you carry it to defend yourself god forbid you ever need to do so.