*sigh*

I imagine that both of my readers who are in the Pacific Northwest are probably already aware of this, but it bears repeating.*

Now, Washington (State, or "Washington AC", as my friend George used to refer to it) will issue a Concealed Pistol License to anyone who meets the criteria; you don't even have to be a US Citizen, although if you're not, you do have to first acquire an Alien Pistol License, which unfortunately, they are not issuing right now. (More on that later.)

WA has a fairly limited list of states whose CPL-equivalents are recognized here; Idaho recognizes all of them.

Oregon does not recognize any other states' carry permit, but the county sheriff is authorized to issue OR Concealed Handgun Licenses to "residents of adjacent states." Unfortunately, in most most counties that is interpreted to mean "States adjacent to your county" or even "Counties in other states that are adjacent to your county." "Why would someone who lives in Seattle need an OR permit?" Well, lots of relatives in Salem, spend a lot of time visiting, etc.

Anyway. The Sheriff of Washington County, OR, has sent out this letter (dated later this week, interestingly enough) on the subject of CHLs and privacy rights...

Notice to All Concealed Handgun License Holders

November 14, 2008

Dear Concealed Handgun License Holder,

There is currently a statewide issue regarding the disclosure of the names, addresses and other identifying information of people who have concealed handgun licenses that affects you. Essentially, the media and other groups are asking for lists of information about all the people who hold concealed handgun licenses.

As your sheriff, I refused to disclose that information because I believe many people obtain a concealed handgun license for personal security and would not want that information made public. I also resist disclosing personal information because of the continuing identity theft risks.

Despite my belief (shared by sheriffs across Oregon), an Oregon court recently decided that there is no evidence that people obtain concealed handgun licenses for security measures. The court ordered the Jackson County Sheriff to disclose a list of all the concealed handgun license holders in his county to the local newspaper. The case is now before the Oregon Court of Appeals.

While I believe you obtained your concealed handgun license as a security measure and that you do not want that information disclosed with your name, address and other personal information, I need to hear from you on this issue to help me defend your privacy in this matter.

Please answer the two questions at the bottom of this letter as soon as possible. If you want your name and other information to remain confidential, simply answer YES to both questions. Thank you for your cooperation.

Sincerely, Rob Gordon Rob Gordon Washington County Sheriff

That's right, you read that correctly: "... {An} Oregon court recently decided that there is no evidence that people obtain concealed handgun licenses for security measures."

The mind boggles. I mean, really.


*I have so far seen this posted to the WA-CCW email list and in the Hometown Forums at AR15.com, which is why I say that a lot of the folks this affects are probably already aware of it.