O.C. supervisors clash with sheriff over concealed weapons permits

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O.C. supervisors clash with sheriff over concealed weapons permits | PolitickerCA | California Politics News, Reaction, and Analysis

O.C. supervisors clash with sheriff over concealed weapons permits
By James B. Gerber, PolitickerCA.com Reporter

SANTA ANA - Members of the Orange County Board of Supervisors confronted Sheriff Sandra Hutchens Tuesday over her decision last month to review each of the county's 1,069 concealed carry weapons permits.

Hutchens was appointed in June to succeed former Sheriff Mike Carona, who stands trial facing numerous charges of political corruption and abuse of office.

Her decision to review all of the concealed weapons permits did not sit well with many gun owners. More than 80 people showed up to the board's meeting Tuesday to express their disapproval.

Hutchens came prepared, arguing that the sharp increase in the number of permits issued under under Carona's watch, combined with allegations that he provided political favors to campaign contributors, justified a systematic review.

"Former Sheriff Brad Gates left office with 255 permits existing, and my predecessor left with over 1,000 permits," Hutchens said. "When you come behind an indicted sheriff, you have to look at everything in the department. This was one of many things that I looked at."

Many board members, including Supervisors Bill Campbell and Chris Norby, questioned whether Hutchens had the authority to revoke licenses issued by previous sheriffs.

"I do have the authority," Hutchens declared. "Any incoming sheriff has the authority to review and revoke existing CCW permits. The sheriff has broad discretion about these permits. There is no regulatory body. It is on the honor system for the sheriff."

Hutchens explained how California law requires a "good cause" justification that the weapon is required for personal safety, although it allows for the discretion of each county sheriff as to what qualifies as "good cause."

"When I issue a CCW permit, it is an exception based on good cause to the state law [barring concealed weapons]," Hutchens said. She added that her staff found that 423 of the permits in Orange County did not meet this requirement.

"I don't care about the numbers," Hutchens responded. "It's what the law says. My personal opinion doesn't enter into it."

The controversy over the permits marks the first confrontation between the Board of Supervisors and their newly appointed sheriff.

While board members hoped to exert some level of influence over the sheriff's policy, Hutchens' held strong to her position that she and she alone is authorized to issue and revoke the licenses.

"The responsibility of concealed weapons permits is my responsibility," Hutchens said. "I welcome public debate. That being said, the law is what it is."
JAMES B. GERBER is a PolitickerCA.com Reporter and can be reached via email at james.gerber@politickerca.com.