Area sheriffs address reported FBI conceal carry audit, promise to protect 2nd amendment
Area sheriff’s are responding to concerns that the FBI is allegedly planning an audit that includes the CCW (concealed carry weapon) system in Missouri counties.
Vernon County Sheriff Jason Mosher said from what he understands the FBI’s CJIS Audit Unit is planning to audit “some” of the counties in Missouri including their CCW system/process and how information is accessed relating to the Criminal Justice Information System.
Mosher said he has not been notified that Vernon County will be one of such agencies but wants to make sure citizens in Vernon County know their information would remain protected.
“I have been receiving questions from concerned citizens that the FBI is attempting to access names of CCW holders as they did during the Obama Administration. Although we have not been notified as of today that our county will be on the audit list, I will not be sharing any names or information regarding CCW holders in Vernon County with the FBI regardless,” said Mosher.
According to the Sheriff, Missouri law places the security of CCW information in the hands of Missouri Sheriffs, leaving it up to them to keep their citizens information confidential from anyone, including the feds.
Mosher said a state auditor employee attempted to gain names of CCW holders’ information in Vernon County several years ago during a state audit and was also denied the request by his office.
Mosher said he would like to commend Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt on his support and response to the FBI.
In a letter addressed to FBI Director Wray on July 13, Schmitt responded to the FBI on behalf of the State and Missouri Sheriff’s informing them that Missouri law specifically prohibits the sharing of CCW information with any “federal, state or private entities.”
Greene County Sheriff Jim Arnott also had a similar response. “I will continue to unequivocally support the 2nd Amendment as well as the privacy of the citizens of Greene County. Missouri Law prohibits the release of conceal and carry information with federal, state, or private entities. The Greene County Sheriff’s Office will not release any information regarding the records of Conceal and Carry Permit holders, this includes to the Federal Bureau of Investigations.”