sidewinder27
Sharpshooter
I got this from Sheriff Brett Clark of Hendricks County
Thanks for reaching out. The question here is about carrying without a license out in the community. There is no rule requiring a person to have a carry permit to purchase a firearm, to have a gun at their home to defend themselves, or to use a gun for hunting or sport. Responsible gun owners have a tremendous amount of freedom, choices, and privacy. The permit process is well established and is a reasonable way for us to try and keep hand guns away from convicted felons, persons suffering from mental illness, or domestic batterers. It also allows for safe reciprocal carry in other states. Contrary to what most people might think, we don't have any ability to determine if someone is a convicted felon simply by checking their ID. Criminal history records are proprietary and take a specific reason to access. We all enjoy many freedoms in our country and I very much respect and support the 2nd amendment like most all members of my profession, but there are reasonable restrictions in place to ensure the safety of our citizens. It is important to remember that although we have absolute rights guaranteed by our constitution, those rights can be regulated. We can say what we want but a person can't yell fire in a crowded theater. We can worship where and how we please but no church generally can sacrifice animals for instance. I have openly expressed strong support for the rights of gun owners, attended many NRA events, and will always support our right to carry but I do not support this particular bill. I think that if you dig deeper here you will find that the majority of law enforcement groups do not. It is my understanding that this may get pushed out to a summer study committee to look at this issue further. Perhaps with some additional review they can come up with something that will work for our state that is both well thought out and respectful of our rights. Respectfully,Brett Clark
Thanks for reaching out. The question here is about carrying without a license out in the community. There is no rule requiring a person to have a carry permit to purchase a firearm, to have a gun at their home to defend themselves, or to use a gun for hunting or sport. Responsible gun owners have a tremendous amount of freedom, choices, and privacy. The permit process is well established and is a reasonable way for us to try and keep hand guns away from convicted felons, persons suffering from mental illness, or domestic batterers. It also allows for safe reciprocal carry in other states. Contrary to what most people might think, we don't have any ability to determine if someone is a convicted felon simply by checking their ID. Criminal history records are proprietary and take a specific reason to access. We all enjoy many freedoms in our country and I very much respect and support the 2nd amendment like most all members of my profession, but there are reasonable restrictions in place to ensure the safety of our citizens. It is important to remember that although we have absolute rights guaranteed by our constitution, those rights can be regulated. We can say what we want but a person can't yell fire in a crowded theater. We can worship where and how we please but no church generally can sacrifice animals for instance. I have openly expressed strong support for the rights of gun owners, attended many NRA events, and will always support our right to carry but I do not support this particular bill. I think that if you dig deeper here you will find that the majority of law enforcement groups do not. It is my understanding that this may get pushed out to a summer study committee to look at this issue further. Perhaps with some additional review they can come up with something that will work for our state that is both well thought out and respectful of our rights. Respectfully,Brett Clark