Driver License Check Returns Carry Permit

[Spanky46151]

I don't know if this has already been covered, but I though it was important enough to address.

When an Indiana police officer does a driver's license check now, the also get a return that advises if that person has a Handgun Carry Permit.

It's not the fact that a police officer is able to obtain this information that bothers me. My issue is that the release of this information is ROUTINE. A criminal's law breaking past is confidential and can only be retrieved for criminal justice purposes. LTCH is automatic...I believe a criminal past is, by far, a greater officer safety issue than the legal, licensed carrying of a handgun.

This situation is, I believe, the quintessential slippery slope.

 

[Spanky46151]

When an Indiana police officer does a driver's license check now, the also get a return that advises if that person has a Handgun Carry Permit.

It's not the fact that a police officer is able this information that bothers me. My issue is that the release of this information is ROUTINE. A criminal's law breaking past is confidential and can only be retrieved for criminal justice purposes. LTCH is automatic...I believe a criminal past is, by far, a greater officer safety issue than the legal, licensed carrying of a handgun.

This situation is, I believe, the quintessential slippery slope.

 

[IndianaSigma]

That kinda makes the whole "no need to inform" thing pointless......thanks for the info.

 

[SideArmed]

I think it has been brought up a few times. Do you have any source for your assertations that when a drivers licence is ran, your LTCH status is returned also? I think the general consensus around here is that it is a Local thing, and not a state thing. As in some local /county Dept records/systems return that info, but that most do not.

 

[Homebrew]

That kinda makes the whole "no need to inform" thing pointless......thanks for the info.

That's what I was thinking, too. That's why I always wonder if it would be best to inform before-hand, since he/she's going to find out.

 

[Fishersjohn48]

Can you cite your reference for this?

 

[cobber]

Having a handgun license doesn't necessarily mean you are carrying. Hence some states' duty to inform.

Of course if the officer has stopped a criminal type with no license but carrying, it's unlikely running the ID is going to give much information.

 

[Indy_Guy_77]

There are a few counties in IN that this happens...not all of them.

I know that Vandeburgh Co / Evansville PD is one of them.

-J-

 

[Concerned Citizen]

That's what I was thinking, too. That's why I always wonder if it would be best to inform before-hand, since he/she's going to find out.

I still say no, No, NO, and HECK NO!

If asked, I will be truthful. I will not offer the information without being asked, unless I am openly wearing the weapon on my hip. If he has a chance of inadvertently seeing it during the stop, I don't want him surprised, so I will inform. Otherwise, there is no reason to make him more nervous than he is.

To the OP, I also would like to know where you got this info.

 

[iamaclone45]

I was under the impression that this was only on local returns.

I know Tippecanoe County will advise if the subject has a LTCH.

 

[Homebrew]

I still say no, No, NO, and HECK NO!

If asked, I will be truthful. I will not offer the information without being asked, unless I am openly wearing the weapon on my hip. If he has a chance of inadvertently seeing it during the stop, I don't want him surprised, so I will inform. Otherwise, there is no reason to make him more nervous than he is.

To the OP, I also would like to know where you got this info.

I like that.

 

[Spanky46151]

Where did I get my information? It's what I do for a living.

When an officer runs a driver's license through the Indiana Data and Communications System (IDACS, the state-wide law enforcement computer system), that officer (most through their dispatcher) receive BMV information, a warrants/wants check in Indiana, a warrants/wants check nationally and, now, a return from the Indiana State Police Firearms Section as to that person's LTCH status.

 

[cobber]

Where did I get my information? It's what I do for a living.

When an officer runs a driver's license through the Indiana Data and Communications System (IDACS, the state-wide law enforcement computer system), that officer (most through their dispatcher) receive BMV information, a warrants/wants check in Indiana, a warrants/wants check nationally and, now, a return from the Indiana State Police Firearms Section as to that person's LTCH status.

Do officers across the state routinely run IDACS?

 

[Spanky46151]

Yep...IDACS is, as far as I know, the only way officers in the State of Indiana can access the information I listed above. I'd say 99% of officers use IDACS multiple times every shift. IDACS IS the lifeline of law enforcement in Indiana.

The only exception is if the officer runs the person by their Operater License Number (OLN), then the LTCH info does not return. But, any inquiry by name and DOB (the way most departments run them to assure an accurate warrant/want check) returns the LTCH status.

 

[The Keymaster]

I was wondering if something new was happening. I listen to scanner traffic in my area, and for the last couple of weeks responses to requests for DL info and warrants have been accompanied by "has a valid lifetime license", or similar response. Thanks to the OP for the additional info.

 

[G_Stines]

This is relatively new then, and very interesting. In February, I asked a Clay County Sheriff if when they pull a license info the LTCH came up and he told me that it did not. Wonder when that change happened. I know it was almost a year ago at this point but, still good to know. Thanks for the heads up Spanky.

 

[45pro]

Hmmm...so when did they change this?

 

[japartridge]

and why is the fact that I have an LTCH relevant to a traffic stop? This is the kind of crap that annoys me. what's next, my religion, political affiliation?

This has to stop.

 

[japartridge]

sent an email to ISP to verify this, attempted to call the IDACS contact number listed here, but received no answer.

 

[Dog1]

and why is the fact that I have an LTCH relevant to a traffic stop? This is the kind of crap that annoys me. what's next, my religion, political affiliation?

This has to stop.

All in the name of "safety"....cops...