Press release from: Clackamas County Sheriff's Office
An important message on Concealed Handgun Licenses and your privacy
Dear Citizens:
Recently, my office has received a number of letters from concealed handgun license (CHL) holders requesting that information in their CHL file be kept confidential by my office. I am writing to clarify my position as the Sheriff of Clackamas County with respect to the public’s right under state law to inspect CHL records. I also want to inform you of how you can help me prevent disclosure of your CHL file.
You may be aware that earlier this year, a ruling by the Jackson County Circuit Court determined that the Jackson County Sheriff could not withhold personal information in CHL files from public inspection under ORS 192.501 (23), a law that protects “security measures” from public inspection. Jackson County has appealed that decision to the Oregon Court of Appeals. I intend to work with my fellow Sheriffs for passage of legislation that would exempt CHL files from public disclosure. In the meantime, I must proceed under the existing statutes.
It is my belief that CHL files should be private and not disclosed. As a general matter, Oregon’s Public Records Law grants every person a right to inspect any public record unless a particular record fits within specific exemptions to public disclosure. Working with counsel, we have identified three exemptions under current Oregon law that I believe apply to CHL files:
For me to determine if a CHL file is protected under law, I must make a determination based on a request or information provided by each individual license holder. Without such information, I am unable to protect personal information contained in the CHL file from disclosure. Please send this exemption-request form (PDF, 84kb) to my Office if you believe disclosure of your CHL file fits within any of the statutory exemptions I have identified.
Send your completed form (which you can download here) to:
Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office
Concealed Handgun License Unit
12700 S.E. 82nd Ave.
Clackamas, OR 97015
Our Web page at www.clackamas.us/sheriff/concealed.htm will provide information on this matter as it becomes available. In addition, you can sign up to receive the Sheriff’s Office newsletter electronically. The electronic newsletter is used to communicate newsworthy events and important updates to our subscribers. This is a timely and cost effective way for us to communicate important information with our citizens, so we will also use this format to communicate major changes to the Concealed Handgun License issue with you. I will follow the existing law, and where appropriate, apply the above exemptions.
Please return your form immediately if you want to request that your personal information be treated as exempt from disclosure. If possible, we request that you return your form by Jan. 12, 2009.
It's an honor to serve you.