As I'm sure you've heard and read, Utah's DPS/BCI is conducting a DAILY computer records cross check on all 35,000 plus Utah CCW holders, to see if any disqualifying record, writ, warrant or other status has been issued in the previous 24 hour period. Should a computer 'hit' take place, the CCW holder has their permit suspended or revoked in real time. It would seem from press reports that most of these 'hits' are misdemeanor warrants or other minor judicial writs. While I don't advocate allowing a known, convicted violent criminal, or someone demonstrated as a clear and present threat to themselves or others to retain a CCW permit, I have the following concerns: 1- What other clearly definable group(s) have their criminal records status checked by a state or federal computer EVERY 24 HOURS? Paroled felons? Convicted child molesters? Elected officials? Cops, prosecutors and judges? Journalists? 2- Are the 'warrants and writs' of such a nature that they constitute legitimate grounds for revocation of a CCW permit? Is 'failure to appear for overdue parking tickets' or 'didn't get a city building permit before taking delivery of the new Tuff-Shed' treated the same as 'interstate flight to avoid prosecution or confinement?' 3- If we are revoking CCW permits on a given set of circumstances, shouldn't we also revoke all other state-issued licenses and governmental authority for the same reasons? If we can't trust a person to carry a concealed firearm, how can we rust them to drive, operate a business, practice a profession, hold an office of public trust, profit or authority, vote, serve on a jury, or exercise any other rights and responsibilities of citizenship? I think we need to closely look into this BCI program. My political instincts tell me it's nothing more than a deliberate and overt abuse of administrative authority and a 'hack job' on CCW holders, to discredit them as a group and justify further restrictions on CCW holders as a whole. Your thoughts and proposals? Scott Engen GOUtah!
