This morning I learned of some disturbing news in regards to personal information that is currently being sought by people that have no right to that information. I cannot count the number of news articles I have read or seen on the nightly news regarding identity theft. This crime has increased to the point that we just voted on not one, but two bills to increase the sentencing for individuals who commit identity theft. This is such a growing crime problem that you would think privacy rights would be the top priority of every company and public entity in this nation. But you might just be wrong to think that.

There is currently a lawsuit filed to try and obtain records from local Sheriff’s offices containing the private and personal information of people with a concealed weapon permit. It originated in Jackson County, Oregon. This lawsuit is seeking to have the Sheriff’s office release to the media and anyone else who is interested in obtaining the information, the personal and private records of anyone who has the right to carry a concealed weapon. On the surface you wouldn’t think that is such a major issue. However, the applications for a concealed weapon permit contains: birthdates, social security numbers, home addresses, phone numbers, as well as background search information. All the little pieces of information needed to steal your identity. Can anyone guarantee that any old employee at a media agency will not have access to this information? Can they guarantee that this information will be stored in an encrypted file with only high security access? Not that I have seen. Without such safety measures in place, why would any organization set themselves up to be the blame for identity theft? Why for that matter, would a media agency that has reported numerous stories on companies that had personal information stolen then go and set themselves up to the center of one of those stories?

The vast majority of people that apply for a concealed weapon license are doing so for their own protection and safety. These are not people that have a history of mental illness or criminal acts. These are people who spent their own time and money to take gun safety courses and pass a federal level background check. You cannot walk in off the street and be granted a concealed weapon permit. You must demonstrate that you are a law abiding citizen with gun safety courses completed. In fact, the law holds people with a concealed weapon permit to higher standards of conduct than the average citizen. Disclosing the names and addresses of individuals with these permits is irresponsible and leaves these law abiding citizens vulnerable to identity theft. This lawsuit serves no purpose. In fact, it could threaten the safety of concealed weapon permit holders. There are a lot of women in the state of Oregon who have concealed weapon permits to ensure their personal safety. How many news stories have we seen lately about attacks on the Max? How many rape and murder stories lead the news every night? Now take that figure and add on a few news stories about people who took this information and targeted these women simply because they carried a weapon. Don’t think that can happen? What about if a woman goes through the process of getting a license because an ex has physically assaulted her in the past and does not pay attention that pesky restraining order in place? Then that ex learns, hey she has a gun. Who does she think she is? She’ll never use it; I should teach her a lesson. Sound made up? Take a look through some new archives and you will see plenty of these stories.

What about criminals who are looking for guns? They can’t legally buy them, so maybe they will use this information to target homes that have guns. Of course – they run the risk of someone being home, but this is essentially giving them a list of “stores” to shop at. What is next? Will we have to release to the public anyone who buys pepper spray or a dog? It is not a matter of public record of who does what to protect their person or home. We live in a country of rights. Do you want your personal information available to anyone who asks simply because you installed a screen door with a safety feature on it? What about if someone wants your personal background information because you bought a fillet knife? You could harm someone with that knife. Granted you most likely bought it to cook with, but what is stopping anyone from stating you bought it to harm someone else with? When will these invasions of privacy be stopped? Who gets to draw the line and say enough already? I think we as American citizens get to. We get to stay personal information is just that; personal. We get to say enough Big Brother already. Our information is private and it should stay that way.

There is no good to come from publishing this information. The good news for folks in Washington County is that Sheriff Rob Gordon is working to help protect your information. If you hold a concealed handgun license in Washington County, please visit http://www.co.washington.or.us/sheriff/service/ccw_not.htm. You can fill out a form to protect your information.

For the folks in other counties, I would recommend you contact the local Sheriff. Inform them that you want your concealed handgun information to be kept confidential and protected from release to the public. State that you applied for a license as a personal safety measure and that you want all information about your application and license protected from release to the public.