LKB3rd
Regular Member
imported post
Anyone here can feel free to edit it and/or use this as a template to do similar things in your town.
The timing is also good because notice was just sent to every town in CT of the action pending in the New Britain Superior Court, for a declaratory judgement on open carry.
Disclaimer: Be sure you are aware of the ins and outs of this subject in CT, and realize that in some parts of the state, the police may insist on arresting open carriers. I'd recommend consulting with a lawyer, and having one on retainer. Even if you don't want to go out and do it, I'd think it might not be a bad thing to send a letter just to see what sort of response you get, but that is up to you all to decide for yourselves.
The (1) and (2) are footnotes, which don't work properly pasted here. Also, I've been sort of toying around with editing the language on "pistols or revolvers" because it gets sort of cumbersome to read, and might just change some parts to "handgun."
This is the letter that was sent on Saturday to all of the police departments:
http://www.ourrockyhill.com/Goldberg.Files/peruta_CoverLetter_082908.pdf
Anyone here can feel free to edit it and/or use this as a template to do similar things in your town.
The timing is also good because notice was just sent to every town in CT of the action pending in the New Britain Superior Court, for a declaratory judgement on open carry.
Disclaimer: Be sure you are aware of the ins and outs of this subject in CT, and realize that in some parts of the state, the police may insist on arresting open carriers. I'd recommend consulting with a lawyer, and having one on retainer. Even if you don't want to go out and do it, I'd think it might not be a bad thing to send a letter just to see what sort of response you get, but that is up to you all to decide for yourselves.
The (1) and (2) are footnotes, which don't work properly pasted here. Also, I've been sort of toying around with editing the language on "pistols or revolvers" because it gets sort of cumbersome to read, and might just change some parts to "handgun."
September 4, 2008
My Name
XXXXXXXX
XXXXXX CT XXXXX-XXXX
(860) XXX-XXXX
Chief of Police
XXXXXX Police Department
Re: Resident Inquiry
Dear Chief XXXXXX:
I am a resident of (my town) and hold a state permit to carry a pistol or revolver.(1) As a responsible state permit holder I have read the state laws applicable to state permits and firearms possession and have found that these laws do not prohibit me from openly carrying a pistol or revolver on premises where carrying a pistol or revolver is not otherwise lawfully prohibited by the premises’ owner or by law. The state Office of Legislative Research addressed this question and responded that there is no statute prescribing that firearms must be carried concealed.(2)
I plan to openly carry my pistol in the Town of (my town). By this letter I am requesting an opportunity to review a list of town properties and facilities where a state permit holder is prohibited from carrying a pistol or revolver. Even with this information however I am concerned that state permit holders in Connecticut have been subject to arrest for breach of peace or other offenses when a pistol or revolver is incidentally or accidentally exposed or intentionally carried openly. From discussing this matter with other permit holders and even police officers, I have learned that trained law enforcement officers in this state actively enforce a non-existent requirement that state permit holders conceal carry their pistols or revolvers.
In closing, I plan to openly carry my pistol in the Town of XXXXXX. In preparation, I have asked whether the Town of XXXXXX maintains a list of town properties and facilities where a state permit holder is prohibited from carrying a pistol or revolver and an opportunity to review the list if a list exists. Finally, I am seeking assurances that police officers employed by the Town of XXXXXX do not enforce an unlawful ban on the open carry of a pistol or revolver by a state permit holder.
I am familiar with your commendable efforts to reach out to the community by making yourself available to respond to residents’ questions and concerns. I believe that the concerns expressed in this letter, specifically that I may be arrested for exercising my right, as a state permit holder, to openly carry a pistol or revolver in the state, may be the concerns of many residents of the Town of XXXXXXX. I am requesting a meeting with you so that I may understand your position and the Town of XXXXXXX’s position on my plan to exercise my right to carry a pistol openly in the Town of XXXXXXXX.
I may be contacted at the address and phone number listed above or you may email me at LKB3rd@LKB3rd.com. I look forward to hearing from you and thank you for your public service.
Best regards,
LKB3rd
(1) I hold a state permit to carry a pistol or revolver issued pursuant to General Statutes § 29-28b.
(2) See http://www.ct.gov/bfpe/cwp/view.asp?a=1838&Q=418126&PM=1.
This is the letter that was sent on Saturday to all of the police departments:
http://www.ourrockyhill.com/Goldberg.Files/peruta_CoverLetter_082908.pdf