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[theqbn]

We open carriers are constantly frustrated with the lack of education about OC on the part of our beloved law enforcement officers. We would love to see the Ohio AG do something about this, but in the absence of that, what can we as residents of the state do?

Here's what I'm looking for:

1. What method of contact will be the most effective? For example, a letter to the Chief/Sheriff vs. an e-mail or phone call.
2. Who is willing to donate time, materials, money for such a cause? (Preferably time)
3. What do we want to say?

My initial thoughts are that it would be a good idea to have a written campaign with a form letter to each Chief and Sheriff that we have not yet talked to. If we receive a response, we publish it and address it with praise or follow-up as necessary. If we do not receive a response within a month or so, we can follow up with phone calls.

Expected cost would be printing & postage (let's assume 50 cents) times the number of persons/departments contacted. Not bad if you ask me. I would be willing to handle much of this, if not all.

[Chuck]

I will help

[jgarvas]

My initial thoughts are that it would be a good idea to have a written campaign with a form letter to each Chief and Sheriff that we have not yet talked to. If we receive a response, we publish it and address it with praise or follow-up as necessary. If we do not receive a response within a month or so, we can follow up with phone calls.

Doing this as individuals will have less impact than doing it as an organization that has established a name for itself. If we can agree to a consistent letter I can ask the attorneys to review it for accuracy and we can organize this as a process in which volunteers who want to support this endeavor can assume the obligation of delivering the letter (stuffing envelopes, postage, etc). Depending upon the cost, we may be able to get the letters printed.

....and you just gave me a really good idea that I need to go act on. Don't get too ahead of yourself with this project but lets keep the discussion flowing.

[deanimator]

I think at least a partial solution lies in the way they do it in Pennsylvania. Most LEOs there apparently have some sort of annual training requirement. I believe that the lawfulness of open carry has been made a part of that training (memo).

Ohio LEO's should HAVE to receive appropriate ANNUAL training on selected subjects, ESPECIALLY civil rights of citizens, whether they're suspects or not. This should include the most common gun related issues, such as concealed carry, open carry, notification, etc.

That's not a guarantee that anybody will pay attention. It IS a guarantee that those who receive that annual training have no excuse not to know the state of the law at the time of the training. If you signed the training roster and arrest somebody with a valid CHL or lawfully open carrying for violation of a repealed or imaginary law, you're not covered by qualified immunity.

It'll educate the conscientious officers and make sure that the lazy and the malicious have no legal cover.

[jamie9mm]

You can count me in.

@ jgarvas once you have the letters written to your satisfaction I'll gladly donate to produce more letters,stamps,envelopes or what ever else needed. I'll personally hand deliver the letter to every PD in Franklin county if that's whats needed.

Let's not forget that the AG is the states top cop and we need to focus on them getting the word out or requiring some training or something. Not only does the AG need to enforce the OC stuff but I think there needs to be some sort of required training updates on laws changing CHl's as well.

Until these things happen were just going to keep seeing bad LEO encounters. I would encourage everyone who thinks they need not to help in some way because they don't OC to think again. OC becoming politically ok would be a huge boost for gun rights movement period. Not to mention that the guys harassing OC'ers probably do the same to CC'ers we just don't hear about it as much because no one is calling the cops all the time when you CC.

[theqbn]

While annual training is not a bad idea, there is a cost associated with that.

Jeff, I would be happy to see OFCC behind this if y'all are willing.

[rDigital]

I think you guys are all on to something. Jeff's right about us all doing it together and having a greater impact. Ignorance of the law is no excuse for the rest of us and it shouldn't be an excuse for anyone wearing a badge.

I think this will help the rapport that all lawful firearm carriers have with police. Criminals don't open carry.

[jamie9mm]

While annual training is not a bad idea, there is a cost associated with that.

Jeff, I would be happy to see OFCC behind this if y'all are willing.

It sounds Like OFCC is but if not there is no reason to not proceed.

[theqbn]

Jeff has a good angle that he is working on as far as what to send, but I think that we can still be productive by discussing the logistics of delivery and perhaps even follow-up.

[rottman43055]

Any help I can be in Licking County, count me in.

I would love to see the relationship between OCers & LE be improved.

[matthollycart]

Excellent idea. Let me know if I can help in any way.

[theqbn]

So I guess one question is, is there a comprehensive list of Ohio law enforcement agencies available (presumably from the AG)?

I suspect that there may be a value in reaching out to Sheriffs first, which is coincidentally also likely to be much easier than reaching individual police departments. And, since Sheriffs are elected, we will be able to provide a valuable benchmark for future elections based on their responses. Any thoughts on this?

[jamie9mm]

So I guess one question is, is there a comprehensive list of Ohio law enforcement agencies available (presumably from the AG)?

I suspect that there may be a value in reaching out to Sheriffs first, which is coincidentally also likely to be much easier than reaching individual police departments. And, since Sheriffs are elected, we will be able to provide a valuable benchmark for future elections based on their responses. Any thoughts on this?

Here is a link to USACops.com You can click on Ohio then click on each county.
http://www.usacops.com/oh/

[AlanM]

Why not start at the top of the food chain.

Office of the Attorney General of Ohio

Buckeye State Sheriffs' Association
BSSA contact list

Ohio State Highway Patrol post contact information

Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police
You have to be a member to find out who the other members are or their contact information.

Another source of Ohio Sheriffs and Police Departments
I don't know how current or complete these data are.

[jamie9mm]

Excellent idea. Let me know if I can help in any way.

Responding to the chiefs request would be a good start. If your nerves are up tight or you feel intimidated I'm sure there is a way for you to take someone with you.