Informal talk with Police Captain

[schwani]

In trying to understand what it might take to get a CCW in my town I tried to schedule an appointment with the Chief of Police. Although the Chief didn’t call me back I did get a call from one of his Captains and was able to meet with him.
The meeting was pleasant but it was very clear that CCW permits are basically off the table with the exception of meeting very strict criteria.
While this was clear to me even before I spoke with the Captain, I was disappointed with the responses or reasoning, two in particular.

He saw no reason, what so ever, that anyone outside law enforcement would ever need to, or even should carry a weapon.
He also said, that as far as he’s concerned, any armed civilian is just another threat to his safety.
He was careful to point out that these are his opinions and that only the Chief could grant the permit, but at the same time it was very clear that I had no chance in being granted a permit. He didn’t say not to apply, just implied that I shouldn’t bother.

I thought I’d share this here.

schwani

[AMS MIKE]

taken from another Almeda resident thread.

Originally Posted by CCWInstructor

Your county has 194 permits issued.

[YankeeDog]

I see you are in Alameda County (?) and the bay area is notorious anti-gun. Maybe a positive pro-gun Heller decision by the SCOTUS might change policy, but probably not the captain's mind.

my .02
YD

[bigdave1121]

I know of a former Oakland cop that said Alameda County won't even give CCWs to judges! Can you believe that? Did you keep your composure when that captain started spouting off that crap?

[Hoser]

His response doesn't surprise me. There are some in LE -- I'll go out on a limb and say many -- who believe that only cops should be able to carry guns and as he said, that anyone who isn't LE and has a gun is considered a threat (CCW or not.)

The bay area is tough place to try to get a CCW.

[schwani]

Originally Posted by bigdave1121

I know of a former Oakland cop that said Alameda County won't even give CCWs to judges! Can you believe that? Did you keep your composure when that captain started spouting off that crap?

Yes, I remained calm at all times. In fact, the tone of the conversation was pleasant and I gained first hand experience in just how anti gun it is here. And yes, I'm in Alameda county.

I guess I didn't realize the sentiment was so strong. I know two officers who don't see CCW permits as a problem, but one is a member in the same rod & gun club as I, the other seems to be a genuinely nice guy. I'd hope most officers out there are like them.

schwani

[bigdave1121]

What club are you a member of?

[rickr96]

Originally Posted by schwani

In trying to understand what it might take to get a CCW in my town I tried to schedule an appointment with the Chief of Police. Although the Chief didn’t call me back I did get a call from one of his Captains and was able to meet with him.
The meeting was pleasant but it was very clear that CCW permits are basically off the table with the exception of meeting very strict criteria.
While this was clear to me even before I spoke with the Captain, I was disappointed with the responses or reasoning, two in particular.

He saw no reason, what so ever, that anyone outside law enforcement would ever need to, or even should carry a weapon.
He also said, that as far as he’s concerned, any armed civilian is just another threat to his safety.
He was careful to point out that these are his opinions and that only the Chief could grant the permit, but at the same time it was very clear that I had no chance in being granted a permit. He didn’t say not to apply, just implied that I shouldn’t bother.

I thought I’d share this here.

schwani

Good for you for taking this step.

I'm sorry to hear the result isn't more positive, but most folks won't go meet with the local CLEO to discuss this.

The Capt. you met with may be a "lost cause" and I'm sure there are other like him... But the more often regular, noraml and resonable folks discuss CCW in rational terms, the more likely we are to one day "Turn" these guys around.

Again, I'm sorry your meeting did not go better.

[schwani]

Originally Posted by bigdave1121

What club are you a member of?

Two actually,
Livermore - Pleasanton Rod and Gun Club
&
Chabot Gun club

schwani

[bigdave1121]

Originally Posted by schwani

Two actually,
Livermore - Pleasanton Rod and Gun Club
&
Chabot Gun club

schwani

Never been to Pleasanton RGC, but I've definitely been to Chabot. I actually work at Los Altos Rod and Gun Club up in the Santa Cruz Mountains. You ever go there?

[SierraNevadaCCW]

deleted post

[Norseman]

Welcome to the LE pecking order. But the same can be said of the private sector. If you have an issue, you won't ever get to speeak to the chaiman or head CEO of the company. These layers, or filters are in place to deny access and accountability. Remember that a LEO who promotes to Lt. or Capt. or higher didn't do this because he/she loves doing police work. The farther up you go, the further you get from the LEO job, and just become a bean counter. Want to guess how much of the brass actually shows up at range training day. About none. Although since they are sworn LEO's, they are techincally required to. Definately jump through thet hoops, ring the bell with your nose, and play the game all the way. Do ask for an interview with the chief, not a Capt. if things don't go well for your CCW. The Chief delegates this duty out to his underlings, and probably has no idea what goes on in this arena, and really does not want to know either.

[RAD-G27]

Originally Posted by schwani

Two actually,
Livermore - Pleasanton Rod and Gun Club
&
Chabot Gun club

schwani

Which City PD did you talk to? I've sent a letter to the Fremont PD Chief and received a written response. The whole Bay Area is very anti-gun.

[schwani]

Originally Posted by RAD-G27

Which City PD did you talk to? I've sent a letter to the Fremont PD Chief and received a written response. The whole Bay Area is very anti-gun.

Pleasanton. It's a shame, and I don't see it changing either.

Funny story. A previous boss of mine, very anit-gun, had a rash of burgleries in his neighborhood some time ago. He knew I had guns. After years of debates, him being against guns, he asked to borrow one - Just in case.

I'm sure this story is repeated often.

schwani

[Bombard]

During the LA Riots, it happened to me 8 times in an hour.