Joint Concealed Carry Database?

During the floor speeches, a few legislators so mentioned that something like 15 states participated in a “Joint Concealed Carry Database.” This is the first I had ever heard of this. I know Pennsylvania is one of the states that has a system whereby a permit can be validated, through calling a phone number. But I’m fairly certain this is something run by the Pennsylvania State Police. Does anyone know of an interstate compact that allows this kind of data to be centrally shared?

15 thoughts on “Joint Concealed Carry Database?”

  1. Simpler solution:

    Welcome to America.
    Here is your copy of the Constitution, note the 2nd amendment.
    Assume everyone is armed.
    Have a nice day!

  2. At the rules committee hearing, Lamar Smith mentioned something called Nlets. Maybe that was it?

  3. Here in CA, our carry license numbers are placed in our Automated Firearms System which is a subset of the states electronic criminal records. As such, throughout CA, LEOs can check the validity 24×7. It would not surprise me if other states had access to the general online system and thus the carry license numbers but that is speculation at this point.

    -Gene

  4. NLETS is the National Law Enforcement Teletype System that agencies use to send messages and BOLOs on. I’ve been in Law Enforcement 36 years and never hears of a Joint Concealed Carry Database. There is a field on the Tennessee Drivers License printout that indicates if the holder also has a Handgun Carry Permit.

  5. Maybe it’s tied to the same system used to validate driver’s licenses? I know in Virginia that when an officer runs your DL he is also told if you have a permit, so I assume it’s noted in the same system and that an officer in another state running my DL would also get be told I have a VA CHP.

  6. Missouri ‘sorta’ has a database. Our CCW license is stored in the state’s driver’s license database. Whenever our d-l is checked, our CCW appears as an endorsement. So, in a sense, Missouri has a CCW db.

    1. Indeed; for other’s info, part of the process is getting a form from your sheriff’s office that’s good for something like 7 days and then going to a licensing office and getting a new driver’s or “Nondriver License” (^_^; obviously just a personal ID card but what that phrase really means is clear to all).

      I’d suspect most states would have a database, otherwise how is an officer to know that the CCW license hasn’t been revoked or suspended, forged or stolen, etc.

  7. Pretty sure Alaska’s permit system is tied to the DL, my permit number is my DL number anyway and I believe it comes up if my DL is run.

    I’m trying to come up with some outrage about that but can’t. It seems to make sense as long as the same rules about only using the system for legitimate official purposes as a result of a lawful interaction/investigation apply.

  8. I know I’m gonna catch flack for this but…

    I like it, and I like the idea of requiring a licence/background check for CCW. I know it seems a little anti 2nd Amendment with a touch of presumption of guilt. But the way I see it, it is a piece of paper that you can show to a Cop/Govt Official/Judge that says “I have proven myself to be a responsable, law abiding person, do not assume I am carrying a guy with malacious intent.” I just wish more cops were trained to acknowledge CCW holders as reasonable, law abiding citizens and not potential criminals exploiting a loophole.

  9. J,

    Absent any reasonable suspicion or probable cause officialdom should already be assuming you are a “good guy”. That’s how our entire system is supposed to work.

    If they have an interaction with you and have a basis for running your ID, armed or not, they’ll see your history anyway, there’s no need to have a permit to buttress that.

    And the data pretty much supports that, people who misuse weapons typically have criminal histories, people who don’t, don’t.

    1. There is no need to buttress the stereotypical law enforcement view that there are two kinds of non-cops, crooks and potential crooks.

      What I’d like is a NICS card – basically a permanent 4473 form.

      1. You’d still need a central database to handle revocations. Plus the 4473 form has your address which is subject to change. Even if you have absolutely no plans on changing anytime soon, as I was rudely reminded by the May 22nd Joplin, Missouri tornado.

        1. Sorry – I forgot “optional” in there. With NJ’s FPID it took me more time to fill out the 4473 than it did to get results on the background check on my last purchase.

          I decidedly do not want a MANDATORY ID card, but essentially a card with a reference to the 4473 info stored on it that can be run at point of sale to automate both the 4473 and NICS check.

  10. Don’t know about an “interstate compact that allows this kind of data to be centrally shared” unless it’s part of the reciprocity agreements, but I DO KNOW that the PSP has an illegal record of EVERY handgun sold since at least 1994. Probably earlier.

    Even though the law requires all record of a sale to be destroyed within 48 hours (I believe, might be 72, not positive as it’s been many years since I was in the gun biz) the State Police kept a microfilm copy of every application for purchase of a handgun. This was back when we had the little paper that had to be filed out and sent certified mail to the sheriff and the PSP for background checks, (remember the 3 day wait?) before the instant check system. Now that all purchases are run thru the instant check I assume they keep records of ALL gun purchases, handgun and longgun!

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