UTOC-45-44
Regular Member
imported post
http://www.wvc-ut.gov/index.asp?NID=541
COMMENT PERIOD
Upon inquiry by Mayor Nordfelt, the following individual addressed the City
Council during the Comment Period:
Travis Devereaux, 3539 West 3565 South, addressed the City Council and stated
appreciation for the opportunity to address some concerns. Mr. Devereaux stated
he had been a resident of West Valley City for about 10 years. He stated he
desired to bring the Council’s attention to the habitual excessive reaction of some
officers of the West Valley City Police Department when responding to a man
with a gun, 911 call, especially when that man or woman who is carrying the
firearm is in perfect accordance with Utah state code and law. On December 6,
2007, while out walking to get some exercise he was held at gunpoint by a
Granite School District Police Officer and informed that if he touched his gun he
would be killed. He was then ordered to lie down on the ground. Mr. Devereaux
stated West Valley City Police Officers responded to the scene as well. His
firearm was illegally taken from his secured holster and he was illegally detained
on a City sidewalk or street. He and many others had encounters similar to this
where the officers seemed to ignore Utah state laws and had inconvenienced them
while peacefully walking down the street with an open firearm. He stated his
desire to address that both concealed weapon permit holders and non-permit
holders can do so. There are certain technicalities that separate them, as the laws
are restrictive and not permissive. There is no law against it. He expressed being
grateful to live in a country that protects his individual right to carry a firearm.
He informed that he became a U.S. citizen in January of this year, after living here
for nine years. He stated he was from Sweden originally and was grateful to be in
this country. Mr. Devereaux stated this was an awesome opportunity to live in a
country where we have rights, where we have visions, where people can succeed.
He indicated the right to keep arms is part of the U.S. Constitution and the Utah
Constitution clearly by Article 1 Section 6 of the Constitution. The Utah state
code ensures that these rights are not infringed upon by County or City
governments by spelling out a clear State preemption in Title 76 Chapter 10-500.
Mr. Devereaux stated he recently spoke with an off-duty West Valley City Police
Officer who said that it was procedure to respond with three to four cars, officers,
or units, to a man with a gun call. He indicated this was a waste of resources and
would like to see different procedures to answer these types of calls. He
encouraged the Mayor to speak with Chief of Police Nielsen and Mr. Catten, the
City Attorney, to inform the Police Department to the policy of an individual
legally carrying a firearm. He indicated this problem could be dealt with by
issuing a simple training bulletin for officers regarding the legality of open carry.
He acknowledged the Attorney General, Mark Shurtleff also acknowledges the
legality of open carry, and the bearer carries identification as well. He expressed
appreciation for the fantastic job that the officers in West Valley City did, because
they did respond when needed. He demanded that changes need to be made to
address certain issues, for example, problems of harassment and illegal search and
seizure that have been experienced by himself and several other law-abiding
citizens and legal residents, as well as visitors to our City. Mr. Devereaux stated
if this trend continued, those being harassed will be forced to take legal action in
order to protect their rights. He thanked the City Council for their time.
Mayor Nordfelt inquired if Mr. Devereaux was aware of West Valley City’s
policy for citizens to make complaints regarding a police action or policy. Mayor
Nordfelt explained the establishment of the Professional Standards Review Board
and its role and encouraged Mr. Deavereaux to go through that process regarding
his complaint. Mayor Nordfelt inquired of those in attendance at the meeting to
raise their hands if they were in support of the issues raised by Mr. Devereaux.
http://www.wvc-ut.gov/index.asp?NID=541
COMMENT PERIOD
Upon inquiry by Mayor Nordfelt, the following individual addressed the City
Council during the Comment Period:
Travis Devereaux, 3539 West 3565 South, addressed the City Council and stated
appreciation for the opportunity to address some concerns. Mr. Devereaux stated
he had been a resident of West Valley City for about 10 years. He stated he
desired to bring the Council’s attention to the habitual excessive reaction of some
officers of the West Valley City Police Department when responding to a man
with a gun, 911 call, especially when that man or woman who is carrying the
firearm is in perfect accordance with Utah state code and law. On December 6,
2007, while out walking to get some exercise he was held at gunpoint by a
Granite School District Police Officer and informed that if he touched his gun he
would be killed. He was then ordered to lie down on the ground. Mr. Devereaux
stated West Valley City Police Officers responded to the scene as well. His
firearm was illegally taken from his secured holster and he was illegally detained
on a City sidewalk or street. He and many others had encounters similar to this
where the officers seemed to ignore Utah state laws and had inconvenienced them
while peacefully walking down the street with an open firearm. He stated his
desire to address that both concealed weapon permit holders and non-permit
holders can do so. There are certain technicalities that separate them, as the laws
are restrictive and not permissive. There is no law against it. He expressed being
grateful to live in a country that protects his individual right to carry a firearm.
He informed that he became a U.S. citizen in January of this year, after living here
for nine years. He stated he was from Sweden originally and was grateful to be in
this country. Mr. Devereaux stated this was an awesome opportunity to live in a
country where we have rights, where we have visions, where people can succeed.
He indicated the right to keep arms is part of the U.S. Constitution and the Utah
Constitution clearly by Article 1 Section 6 of the Constitution. The Utah state
code ensures that these rights are not infringed upon by County or City
governments by spelling out a clear State preemption in Title 76 Chapter 10-500.
Mr. Devereaux stated he recently spoke with an off-duty West Valley City Police
Officer who said that it was procedure to respond with three to four cars, officers,
or units, to a man with a gun call. He indicated this was a waste of resources and
would like to see different procedures to answer these types of calls. He
encouraged the Mayor to speak with Chief of Police Nielsen and Mr. Catten, the
City Attorney, to inform the Police Department to the policy of an individual
legally carrying a firearm. He indicated this problem could be dealt with by
issuing a simple training bulletin for officers regarding the legality of open carry.
He acknowledged the Attorney General, Mark Shurtleff also acknowledges the
legality of open carry, and the bearer carries identification as well. He expressed
appreciation for the fantastic job that the officers in West Valley City did, because
they did respond when needed. He demanded that changes need to be made to
address certain issues, for example, problems of harassment and illegal search and
seizure that have been experienced by himself and several other law-abiding
citizens and legal residents, as well as visitors to our City. Mr. Devereaux stated
if this trend continued, those being harassed will be forced to take legal action in
order to protect their rights. He thanked the City Council for their time.
Mayor Nordfelt inquired if Mr. Devereaux was aware of West Valley City’s
policy for citizens to make complaints regarding a police action or policy. Mayor
Nordfelt explained the establishment of the Professional Standards Review Board
and its role and encouraged Mr. Deavereaux to go through that process regarding
his complaint. Mayor Nordfelt inquired of those in attendance at the meeting to
raise their hands if they were in support of the issues raised by Mr. Devereaux.