• Total Valid Permits: 347,262
• Permits Issued 4th Quarter: 16,149
• Permits Renewed 4th Quarter: 3,874
• Permits Revoked 4th Quarter: 187

• Permits Suspended 4th Quarter: 310
• Applications Denied 4th Quarter: 160

If you wish to voice your opinion, please do so quicky. It’s expected that this bill will be heard today, 1/30/2012 at 2pm.

To: coda@le.utah.gov, rgreenwood@le.utah.gov, parent@le.utah.gov, dbutterfield@le.utah.gov, cfrank@le.utah.gov, keithgrover@le.utah.gov, greghughes@le.utah.gov, dipson@le.utah.gov, dlitvack@le.utah.gov, dmccay@le.utah.gov, leeperry@le.utah.gov, jseelig@le.utah.gov, billwright@le.utah.gov

Subject: Please Support HB49, Firearm Possession Protection Bill

Dear Committee Members,

It’s unfortunate that people have worry about assaults of others carrying out unlawful and violent acts.

It’s unfortunate that Law Enforcement cannot prevent these terrible acts from happening. What’s more, courts have found that Police are not responsible to ensure the protection of The People.

What’s left is self-defense. A person not only should, but (given our current legal state and criminal climate) MUST provide for their own defense, and the defense of their family members.

Self-defense is a fundamental right and protected not only by the U.S. Constitution, but by the Utah Constitution as well. Furthermore, it’s clearly provided for in State statute.

It’s generally accepted that the best way to defend oneself or one’s family is by the lawful carry of a firearm — concealed or otherwise.

This lawful carry does not — and cannot by any logic — be considered a violation of Disorderly Conduct statutes. If simply carrying a sidearm on one’s hip was “Disorderly Conduct” all of our Police Officers would be in jail, would they not? But the Police are “the good guys” right? Statistics have shown (overwhelmingly) that those who choose to lawfully carry a firearm for self-defense are ALSO “the good guys”. Statistically speaking, the crime rates for those who choose to take on the added responsibility and liability of carrying a firearm for self-defense are SIGNIFICANTLY lower than that of the general populous.

Yet there is a problem in Utah that Law Enforcement in some jurisdictions are harassing and even ARRESTING people for openly carrying a sidearm —  when it is clearly NOT prohibited in statute.  These jurisdictions have sought creative ways to harass law-abiding firearm owners who are legally carrying unconcealed firearms for self-defense.

HB 49 bill would remove one of the ploys (charging the person with Disorderly Conduct) being used by some jurisdictions within Utah to circumvent State law and the Utah Constitution in an attempt to go after these law-abiding firearm owners.

Put simply, these jurisdictions are IGNORING YOU. They are ignoring the legislative process. They are violating the very Law they are sworn to uphold and defend — because of an ambiguity and someone’s misplaced definition of “Disorderly Conduct”.

HB 49 is your chance to tell these runaway Law Enforcement  jurisdictions that they are out of line and that the bills you pass are the Law — Law that, by definition they MUST enforce.

Please support HB 49 as it is written, and oppose any amendments or substitutions that would water down the fundamental Right of The People to defend themselves and their families.

With respect,

• Joe Levi, SY08 Precinct Vice Chair & State Delegate

• March 12, 2011 at the North Springs Shooting Range, Price, Utah
• Sign in starts 8:30 am
• 100 to 1,000 yd practical precision 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
• Tactical Training Center carbine and pistol 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
• You may shoot whatever you can or want to

There is a $5 fee at the range office when you arrive, plus $10 for either match or $15 for both. Spectators are free.

Sniper Shoot:

There will be a Utah State Sniper Shoot in September, with 55 people on the list for September so far. Range Safety Officers and other help are still needed so everyone can shoot the match.

More information is on the website www.utahshootouts.com or contact Clint Simon desertratdad@yahoo.com or phone: 801 599 1574

Please email all members of the House Rules Committee (listed below) to get Rep. Paul Ray’s HB 424 passed to fix the problem with some government agencies trying to harass gun owners over the mere sight of a legally carried gun by claiming it constitutes “disorderly conduct.”

To:

wharper@utah.gov; bird@utah.gov; biskupski@utah.gov; dclark@utah.gov; mikemorley@utah.gov; ryanwilcox@utah.gov; wiley@utah.gov; cwimmer@utah.gov; billwright@utah.gov

Subject:

Ensure HB 424 Firearms Revisions by Rep. Paul Ray gets considered

Body:

Dear House Rules Committee members: I urge you to ensure that HB 424 Firearms Revisions by Rep. Paul Ray gets to the floor in time for passage by both chambers this session. This bill is urgently needed to stop harassment of lawful gun owners by some who wrongly claim that the mere sight of a gun somehow constitutes “disorderly conduct.”

[insert your name and address]

According to comments by the employees, there’s only one way out of the room, and they didn’t have anywhere to go without risking personal injury. Faced with only one other option, the employees decided to subdue and disarm the customer.

Sounds like a great case of heroism to me, wouldn’t you agree?

Apparently, Walmart has a corporate policy that prohibits their employees to defend themselves —  more specifically, they must flee (even if they are unable to do so) rather than confront a customer.

Walmart has now fired four employees tied to this incident.

Via KSL.com

Why were they fired? Violation of Walmart policy AP09.

If… the suspect has a weapon or brandishes or threatens use of a weapon; all associates must disengage from the situation, withdraw to a safe position, and contact law enforcement.

Walmart spokesman Dan Fogleman reponded with the following:

“We appreciate the intentions demonstrated by our associates in this situation, but the actions taken put their safety – and potentially the safety of our customers and other associates – in jeopardy. In their roles within the store, they were aware of our expectations regarding safety and, unfortunately, their actions have led to them no longer working for the company.” (source)

Walmart’s actions have led me to no longer do business with them.

I don’t spend my money in places that prevent the general public from being able to defend themselves while on their property, I think I’ll include Walmart in this as well.

Now you have a choice:

• Stop shopping at Walmart
• Support a company that fires its employees for defending themselves

If you choose to stop shopping at Walmart, please print the following, and deliver it to the manager of your nearest Walmart store.

Over the years I have spent thousands of dollars at Walmart stores. After the manner in which Walmart handled a situation in their Layton, Utah store, that’s about to change.

This particular issue arises from various Walmart policies which essentially force employees to become victims at the hands of would-be criminals. In Layton, four employees disarmed a wanted felon — in defense of their own lives — because they couldn’t “disengage” without someone being killed or seriously wounded. Walmart’s response? Rather than issue a commendation of heroism — they were fired.

A Walmart spokesperson responded with the statement that “their actions have led to them no longer working for the company”.

To that I reply, Walmart’s actions have led me to no longer spend my money in your stores.

If you wish to regain me as a customer, the following must be met:

1. Walmart must enact a new policy that provides self-defense overrides any other policy, stating that if an employee acted in self-defense with reasonable force, no disciplinary action shall be taken for such actions.
2. Walmart must recognize, via a formal commendation, the actions taken by the four former-employees from the Layton, Utah store.
3. Walmart must make resonable accommodation to the same, including, but not limited to reimbursement for lost wages caused by the folly of this policy.
4. Notice of the above must be provided to me in writing at the address noted below.

More information can be found at http://bit.ly/fired-for-self-defense

Tell the manager, put simply, neither you, your family, nor your friends patronize companies that fire their employees for defending themselves.

Let me know what response you get in the comments below.

The State of Utah will honor John M. Browning and the 100th Anniversary of the adoption of Browning’s Model 1911 pistol on Monday, January 24, 2011.  A ceremony plus free exhibits will take place in the rotunda of the Utah State Capitol.  This is also the first day of the 2011 session of the Utah Legislature.

There will be an amazing exhibit in the Capitol rotunda all day, with examples of nearly every type of gun invented by Browning, ranging from rifles to machine guns.  Fifty different guns in the display have been gathered from museums and private collections all over Utah.  Nearly everyone will be able to spot Browning invented guns which they or a family member used for sporting purposes, or while in military service, or for personal protection.

An interesting sidelight is that Browning interrupted his gun designing career in 1887-1889 to serve in Georgia as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

A free video will be shown in the Capitol media room highlighting the life and contributions of John M. Browning.

This is a great opportunity to visit our beautifully restored State Capitol, and take the family along to see where laws are made.

The exhibit is a joint effort by the Fort Douglas Military Museum; the John M. Browning Firearms Museum (Union Station), in Ogden; Browning, Morgan, UT; the Utah Gun Collectors Association, the Utah National Guard and the Utah Shooting Sports Council.

For more information on John M. Browning’s life and work, and to download a selection of historic photos, please visit http://fortdouglas.org/jmb2011/index.htm

H.B. 129 Constitutional Carry

Please contact the House Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee members regarding Utah H.B. 129 “Constitutional Carry”.

COMMITTEE MEETS AT 8:00 AM TUESDAY H.B. 129 FIREARMS LAW MODIFICATIONS (Constitutional Carry) is stuck in Committee. Please contact all committee members and ask that they pass this bill with NO AMENDMENTS.

Time is running out!

We need to get this bill to the Senate floor if it is to pass this year. Get everyone you know to call and e-mail now. Regret late notice, but it is important to contact the committee members IMMEDIATELY! Utah Shooting Sports Council has worked hard for this bill but now we need you to step up. After all you are Utah’s Gun Lobby. This bill will allow “Constitutional Carry” in Utah, where law abiding citizens will NOT NEED a concealed weapon permit. Permits will be optional, for people who want one so they can carry in states which recognize Utah permits, or for ID when making a gun purchase from a dealer.

Please IMMEDIATELY email or call each of them with the message:

Dear Committee members,

Please vote YES on HB 129.  Vote NO on any amendments to HB 129.

parent@utah.gov; dbutterfield@utah.gov; rgreenwood@utah.gov; keithgrover@utah.gov; greghughes@utah.gov; billwright@utah.gov; seliason@utah.gov; dipson@utah.gov; dlitvack@utah.gov; coda@utah.gov; leeperry@utah.gov; jseelig@utah.gov; cwimmer@utah.gov

H.B. 75 Safe School Zones Definitions

H.B. 75 DANGEROUS WEAPONS AMENDMENTS (Modifications to Utah Gun Free School Zone) is going to the Senate floor for a vote. Please contact your individual Senator now and ask them to vote FOR this bill.

This bill is good legislation which protects law-abiding gun-owners. It prevents us from inadvertently becoming criminals by crossing through the huge invisible restricted areas created by the current “Gun Free School Zone” definition.

Current Utah law is much stricter than Federal law and all of our neighboring states. This bill reduces the zones to common sense and understandable areas. You need to call the Senate switchboard now at 801-538-1035 and leave a message for your Senator, “Vote YES on HB75- Dangerous Weapons Amendments.” Tell your friends to do the same.

You can locate your individual State Senator by inputing your address and zip code into the following website: http://le.utah.gov/GIS/findDistrict.jsp

Once the photo of your Senator pops up click it to get their e-mail and phone numbers.

Visit the UtahShootingSports.com for status and links full language on all bills.

I would request that you pass this on and be in attendance if at all possible.

UPDATE: Good news! Midvale City has repealed their city ordinances that were contrary to Utah Uniform Firearm Law. Good job Midvale!

Criminals like easy targets. A nice new Motor home with out-of-State plates, some friendly retired folks on vacation, out of their normal environment, sounds like an easy target?

Have you ever considered what you would do if you were traveling in a remote, unpopulated, unfamiliar area and your vehicle broke down or you had a tire blow out? For some reason that new cell phone plan with excellent coverage has a dead zone exactly where you are now stranded? What if the wrong person stopped to help you? He or she may look innocent enough, and seem very nice and friendly, but could actually be a serious criminal predator, searching for stranded motorists in need of assistance. Is this an easy target and willing victim? No!

The tide has turned, and common everyday Americans in 38 States now have “Right to Carry” laws on their side, or they allow their legal residents to carry without the need for a permit.

That 72 year old grandmother no longer seems like an easy target, because she “might” have a Concealed Firearm in her purse. She is legally allowed to carry that firearm for personal protection due to the popularity of “Right to Carry” Laws across the Country, and she has received training in Firearm Safety, Gun Handling, and Use of Force Laws. “Right to Carry” legislation makes criminals think twice before they commit violent criminal acts. John R. Lott, Jr., author of More Guns, Less Crime: Understanding Crime and Gun Control Laws, reveals that States with the largest increases in gun ownership also have the largest decreases in violent crimes.

Thirty-eight states now have such laws—called “Shall-Issue” or “Right to Carry” laws. These laws allow adults the right to carry concealed handguns if they do not have a criminal record or a history of significant mental illness. Lott also points out that States with the most restrictive Gun Laws, such as California, New York, and Washington D.C., also have some of the highest violent crime rates in the Nation.

Safety Strategy

A personal safety strategy and the “Mindset” to implement it, is still the most critical element to an individual’s safety. Situational Awareness, Self Defense Courses, Personal Alarms, Pepper Sprays, and Electronic “Stun Guns” may all be viable options to enhance your safety strategy. Now you can add firearms to that list of personal protection devices in many States. What about those of us that do not live in “Right to Carry” States?

There is a simple solution. Both Utah and Florida will issue a Concealed Firearm Permit to Non-Residents. These Permits are valid in over half of the United States. This is a great benefit for all law-abiding residents, including Military Personnel, that are stationed out-of-State or frequently travel across Country.

If you travel to, or through thirty different States, these “Multi-State” CCW Permits are valid through Reciprocity Agreements or Recognition via State Laws. Because Utah and Florida are Shall Issue, “Right to Carry” States, you do not need to articulate a valid Reason, nor do you have to prove that you are valuable enough to need protection.

Your natural instinct for self-preservation and the desire for a viable means to defend yourself from a violent criminal attack are simply understood as the most basic of your human rights.

Where Can I Carry?

Any law-abiding citizen with a valid Utah CCW Permit, even a Non-Resident of Utah, may legally carry a Concealed Firearm in the following Twenty-nine States:

1. Alabama,
2. Alaska,
3. Arizona,
4. Arkansas,
5. Delaware,
6. Georgia,
7. Idaho,
8. Indiana,
9. Kentucky,
10. Louisiana,
11. Minnesota,
12. Mississippi,
13. Missouri,
14. Montana,
15. New Mexico,
16. Nevada,
17. North Carolina,
18. North Dakota,
19. Ohio,
20. Oklahoma,
21. Pennsylvania,
22. South Dakota,
23. Tennessee,
24. Texas,
25. Utah,
26. Vermont,
27. Virginia,
28. Washington, and
29. Wyoming.

While some States have [formal] Reciprocal Agreements, others will honor out-of-State CCW Permits based on their own Concealed Firearms Laws.

How to Apply

The Utah Department of Public Safety – BCI (Bureau of Criminal Identification) oversees the application and issuance process for Utah Concealed Firearm Permits. They have done an excellent job of making the application process very simple and user friendly. Like most States, Utah requires that you submit an application and pass a thorough criminal background check.

You must attend an approved training course offered by a Utah Certified Concealed Firearms Instructor, usually four or more hours in length.  The course covers basic firearm safety, weapon handling, concealment methods, firearms and use of force laws. Several Utah Certified Instructors in various States advertise their Multi-State CCW Courses on the Internet. You can also obtain a listing of all Certified Instructors in your area from the Utah BCI website at http://bci.utah.gov/CFP/insoutstate.pdf

Along with the self-explanatory one-page application, you submit one recent color passport quality photograph (2X2 inches), a photocopy of your valid Drivers License, one blue FBI “Applicant” fingerprint card, and then the application must be notarized. The State application fee is only $65.25 ($35.00 is for application and permit processing, $30.25 goes to the FBI for fingerprint processing). The Utah Concealed Firearm Permit is valid for five years. Renewal every five years is only $10.00. The entire application process can be handled through the mail. Unlike some other States, Utah Concealed Firearm Permit information is not a public record.

Selecting a Training Course

The cost of a Utah CCW Training Course can range anywhere from $50.00 to over $300.00, depending on the facility, location, and what the Instructor is providing. Some Utah Certified Instructors will provide everything you need from your application, taking your photograph, photocopying your Drivers License, taking your fingerprints, and providing a pre-addressed envelope for your application. Several courses currently offered in Southern California provide a Notary Public at the class to notarize your applications.

The total cost of obtaining a Utah CCW Permit is between $100.00 and $365.00 for the initial five-year permit. Thereafter, renewal is only $10.00 every five-years. There is no renewal class or re-qualification required, everything is handled through the mail, as long as you keep your address current with Utah BCI. The cost of obtaining a Utah “Multi-State” CCW Permit is not out of reach for the common resident. When compared to almost any other State it is understandable why so many people are interested in obtaining their Utah Concealed Firearm Permit.

Due to an increase in demand, the average processing time for Utah CCW Permit applications is approximately three to four months.

Do I Need a Florida Permit?

The Florida CCW application process is almost identical to Utah’s. The Flo
ri
da Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services handle the application and processing of Florida Concealed Weapon Permits. With Florida you either qualify in an exempt category (Prior Law Enforcement Training, Military Training, Prior Firearms Experience, etc.) or you can attend any National Rifle Association or State Certified Firearms Course that includes weapon manipulation and live-fire range exercises. The main differences with Florida’s application process are that your fingerprints must be taken by a Law Enforcement Agency, and the cost of the permit is $117.00 for seven years. Florida renewals are $107.00 every seven-years. Although this is almost twice the cost of a Utah CCW Permit, it’s still only about $16.00 per year. How can you put a price on something that could one day save your life or the life of a loved one? Florida CCW Permits are not a public record.

To apply for a Florida Non-Resident Concealed Weapon Permit, complete Florida’s one-page application, send in one color photograph, one Florida fingerprint card (Completed by a Law Enforcement Agency), and have the application notarized. 60 to 90 days is the standard turn-around time for Florida CCW Permits, but they could take longer due to current demand.

A Florida CCW Permit will allow you to carry a concealed weapon in most of the same States as Utah, with the addition of Florida. With only Two State-issued Permits, you can legally carry a concealed firearm in 30 different States. This is great news for anyone that travels cross-country for business or leisure. An additional benefit of the Florida Permit is that Florida, like Utah, is constantly seeking Reciprocity with other States. Both Utah and Florida are likely to gain additional States of Recognition or Reciprocity as more and more States become “Right to Carry” or States with “Right to Carry” Laws make adjustments in their Permit issuance requirements, that allow Reciprocity with either Utah or Florida.

Although Utah and Florida Permits are recognized in many other States, California does not currently recognize either Permit at this time. Utah and Florida State Laws indicate that it is the responsibility of the individual Permit-Holder to comply with all local and federal laws when traveling to those States granting Reciprocity or Recognition.

More Information

A great source of information regarding State Firearms and CCW Laws is the Travelers Guide to the Firearms Laws of the Fifty States by J. Scott Kappas, Esq. available from www.gunlawguide.com. Another extremely valuable website that provides a great deal of useful information regarding Concealed Carry Permits in any of the 50 States is www.packing.org, where you will find a summary of each States statutes, current and pending Reciprocity Agreements, access to each States issuing Authority, and links to individual State websites that can help answer any of your more specific questions.

About the Author

William Desy, CFE, CFS, is a State Licensed Private Investigator, Certified Fraud Examiner, Certified Fraud Specialist, Personal Security Consultant, and State Certified Firearms Instructor in California and Utah.

Mr. Desy is a NRA Law Enforcement Firearms Instructor and has been a Certified Firearms Instructor since 1992. For more information regarding Concealed Weapon Permit Courses, please contact Mr. Desy through his website www.CCWUSA.com

In other words, as of July 1st, 2009 Nevada will no longer honor Utah and Florida CFPs.

The reasoning? Nevada permits are valid for a period of 5 years and require live-shooting proficiency as part of the requirements to be eligible for a Nevada CFP.

Utah does not require a live-shooting as a requirement for obtaining the permit, Nevada does.

Florida permits are good for 7 years, 2 more than Nevada’s 5.

Nevada, we feel, is picking at straws and shouldn’t worry about these two seemingly minor issues. Utah and Florida could offer “extensions” to their permit (similar to drivers license endorsements for commercial vehicles or motorcycles) that indicate the CFP holder has been “certified” in live ammunition or has “renewed” their permit at the 5 year mark. We’re afraid of what kind of can-of-worms this might open.

In the meantime, we at Sitting Duck Policy are advising our readers to unload and properly store their firearms before crossing the line into Nevada – or avoid Nevada altogether until they reverse their policy.

The BCI has already proven and admitted that they’re beyond the 60-day statutory window, and are now past to 81 days because they are “too busy” and “short staffed”.

The State isn’t doing anything other than “increasing the staffing” of the BCI to address this issue, and questions about whether it’s acceptable to submit one’s State Taxes 3-weeks past the due date because a tax payer is “too busy” or “short staffed” have gone unanswered.

The problems don’t stop there

One individual that SittingDuckPolicy.com interviewed told us that both he and his wife took their training course and submitted their applications at the same time. When they didn’t receive their permits after 77 days (17 days longer than allowed by law) they were told on multiple occasions that the BCI “no longer performs complimentary application status checks”.

Finally they received information about one of their permits: a woman 50 miles away had received it! The address and date-of-birth were incorrect, but the name and picture matched this individual’s wife. The woman mailed the permit to this individual who then contacted the BCI: the errors were due, again, to being “too busy” and “short staffed”. He supplied the correct information and was assured a replacement permit would be mailed.

The replacement arrived, this time with the correct address but still with the incorrect date of birth. He hasn’t yet contacted the BCI regarding this second permit.

We have to wonder how a proper background check can be completed with an incorrect address AND an incorrect date of birth!

As of this writing he has not yet received his own permit, the calendar still ticking off day after day beyond the 60 allowed by law. The Utah BCI still refuses to check on the status of his permit.

What should you do?

If you are similarly situated, please let us know!

Also, you should contact Jason Chapman, Supervisor, Concealed Firearms (Bureau of Criminal Identification, Utah Department of Public Safety) at +1 (801) 965-4445 Monday – Thursday.

Insist he check on the status of your permit, and ask why it is acceptable for a State Agency to violate State Law, ask what laws it is permissible for you to violate because you’re “too busy” or “short staffed”.

This is probably the only location I’ve come across that has a Sitting Duck Policy where you have a high likelihood of actually seeing sitting ducks – migratory waterfowl, that is.

• Location: Nature Conservancy Great Salt Lake Shorelands Preserve in West Layton, Utah
• Geo: 41.03 -112.02
• Sitting Duck Policy: Sign at entrance stating “No Fireworks or Weapons permitted” with a picture of a pistol with a “No” symbol around it
• Contact Information: The Nature Conservancy, Utah Field Office, 559 East South Temple,  Salt Lake City, UT 84102
  +1 (801) 531-0999, utah@tnc.org

His wife called 911, advised them of his bi-polar disorder and that his medication would not take affect for another 40 minutes.

Police arrived on-scene several minutes later and deployed a taser (twice) when he was uncooperative and failed to follow orders. He died shortly thereafter.

According to Amnesty International….more than 350 Americans in the past 8 years have died after being tased.

Now the audio recordings of both the 911 call and the officer’s digital recorder have been made available, you can listen to them below.

• 911 call:

• On-Scene recording:

Related News Articles

• http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=148&sid=6827901
• http://www.kcsg.com/news/47734287.html

(Hat tip to Mike Dopp for finding and providing these.)

Building Clearing (for the Home Owner)

The first course is offered is a two day building clearing course. Cost for this class is $100/person with a $75 nonrefundable deposit. This course is designed for the individual homeowner wants to have the tactics and mindset be able to clear his/her home encase of an intruder. Day one consists of tactics taught in the “soft house” and the date you is split up into two portions. The first half of day one is live fire, where you will be shooting live rounds inside of the building and engaging multiple targets. The second portion of day two will consist of force-on-force training utilizing Simunitions (simulated ammunition fired from real firearms).

Tactical Carbine (AR-15)

The tactical carbine course is taught based on the AR-15 weapon system. On day one topics covered will be nomenclature/statistics of the AR 15 malfunction clearing, equipment/optics, reloading drills and more. On day two it will involve how to clear building utilizing the AR-15. The building clearing portion will be done with no ammunition. Each student will be required to bring 300-400 rounds of ammunition, handgun with 150 rounds and appropriate safety gear. Cost for this course is $100 with a nonrefundable deposit of $75.

Precision Rifle

Precision Rifle is taught by military and a state certified sniper/designated marksman. In this course you will learn to shoot out to 1000 yards. Equipment for this course consists of rifle and preferably a minimum caliber of .243. Cost for this course is $320 with a $200 nonrefundable deposit.

Contact Information

Space is limited and filling up fast. Please call at 801-915-4118 or email at training@strategictacticalgroup.com for more info.

Chris Willden, Director of Training. Strategic Tactical Group LLC, www.strategictacticalgroup.com. Chris Willden is NRA Certified, a Utah CFP Instructor, an ASP Baton and O.C. Instructor, and a Glock and Bushmaster AR-15 Armorer.

Disclaimers

SittingDuckPolicy.com respects Chris Willden as a competent and qualified firearms instructor, and we recommend the services of him and the company for which he is employed.

That said, neither Chris Willden nor Strategic Tactical Group, LLC are affiliated with SittingDuckPolicy.com; this article is informational only and is not a “paid” or “sponsored” article.

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

Around 1:30 AM on May 5th, 2009, residents of a Midvale, Utah apartment we victims of a home invasion.

Someone tried to gain entry into the apartment, but one of the occupants attempted to block the door. The occupant was stabbed in the hand, which allowed several invaders access into the apartment.

One of the invaders hit a female. Her boyfriend came to her defense, fighting one of the suspects, and getting a hold of the invader’s gun, fatally shooting him.

Shots were fired by other invaders, but no one in the apartment was injured (apart for the initial stabbing).

Approximately eight of the home invaders fled and are currently at large. The deceased home invader has not yet been identified but police hope that they are able to do so using his tattoo’s to aid in identification. He was found armed with two knives, a gun, and wearing latex gloves.

Motive for the invasion and attack is not known.

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

Source: http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=148&sid=6380253

This bill modifies provisions of the Utah Criminal Code related to firearms. It

• modifies the criminal penalties exception provisions related to carrying a concealed firearm to apply to a vehicle in a person’s lawful possession and to a vehicle in the lawful possession of another, with the consent of that person;
• allows a person to carry a loaded firearm in a vehicle in the person’s lawful possession or in a vehicle with the consent of the person lawfully in possession of the vehicle;
• allows for the possession of a loaded firearm on a person’s real property; and
• makes certain technical changes.

In plain English, this bill says that after the effective date you can carry a loaded or unloaded firearm in a vehicle that you are driving, or in a vehicle with the consent of the person driving it, or on your “real property” (which is legal speak for your “land”).

You’ve always been able to do this in your home (or temporary residence, or camp), but now you can in your home, in your yard, at your office (if you own it), in your parking lot at work (if you own it), and in your vehicle.

Of course, I am not a lawyer, so before you trust my interpretation of the law, contact Representative Stephen Sandstrom or your gun-law attorney.

Lagoon’s “Code of Conduct” and “Guest Rules” prohibit weapons (specifically “Firearms, knives, and other weapons as determined by Lagoon”) while at the park.

Ironically, kissing your sweetheart is also prohibited.

Who to contact

Dick Andrew – Executive Vice President of Marketing
Phone: (801) 451-8060
Fax: (801) 451-8016
Email: randrew@lagoonpark.com

Lagoon’s Code of Conduct

From http://www.lagoonpark.com/policy_conduct.php, as referenced on January 28th, 2009 (emphasis added):

As a participant on Lagoon’s rides, slides and attractions, you shall at a minimum:

1. Obey the safety rules posted and the verbal instructions given.
2. Refrain from acting in any manner that may cause or contribute to injury to yourself or others.
3. Not participate on a ride, slide, or attraction unless you determine that you have sufficient knowledge and understanding of the ride, slide, or attraction, the posted signs and verbal instructions, and have the physical and mental ability and health to enjoy without injury.
4. Not participate on a ride, slide, or attraction if your abilities or capacities are unduly influenced by alcohol, drugs, or medication.
5. Wait for permission from the attendant before you board a ride, slide, or attraction.
6. Be respectful of other guests in queue lines. Prohibited practices include line jumping, re-entering a queue line, or saving a place for someone else.
7. Not smoke on the Park except in designated areas.
8. Wear shirt and shoes at all times except when in Lagoon A Beach.
9. Be responsible for youths or minors who accompany you to the Park .
10. Report any injury or illness immediately to the First Aid Station near the Main Entrance.
11. Be aware that for security purposes and quality assurance, certain areas of the Park are monitored and/or under surveillance using audio and visual equipment.
12. Agree that you and all guests are subject to search. Firearms, knives, and other weapons as determined by Lagoon are prohibited.

Guest Rules

From http://www.lagoonpark.com/policy_conduct.php, as referenced on January 28th, 2009 (emphasis added):

In order to provide an acceptable family environment for all guests of Lagoon, rules of conduct have been established. Violation of the following rules may result in corrective action, ejection from the Park, and in certain situations, legal prosecution.

1. Violation of any ride or attraction safety rule or the commission of an unsafe act is prohibited.
2. Disruptive activities will not be tolerated, including, without limitation:
   1. Interference with normal Park operations.
   2. Causing unnecessary inconvenience or annoyance of Park guests.
   3. Disrupting the normal course of any show or performance with excessive noise or activity.
   4. Line jumping or disruptive activity in any ride or attraction queue line, including cutting in front of guests already in line, leaving line and attempting to re-enter at the same point, or saving a place in line for another guest.
3. The following actions or activities are prohibited without exception:
   1. Use of portable radios, boom boxes, disc or tape players.
   2. Use of skateboards, bicycles, scooters, wheeled shoes, or in-line skates.
   3. Possession of firearms, knives, chains, or weapons of any type.
   4. Trespass, including illegal entry, climbing fences, or entry into restricted or behind the scenes areas.
   5. Willful destruction or defacing of Park property.
   6. Solicitation of any kind.
   7. The resale of tickets.
   8. Mistreatment or harassment of domestic or wild animals.
4. Shirts and shoes must be worn at all times, except when in Lagoon A Beach.
5. Any activity or appearance that may be offensive to Park guests is prohibited, including without limitation:
   1. The wearing of offensive clothing and/or clothing that signifies membership in a potentially disruptive group.
   2. Kissing or other sexual activity.
   3. Intoxication and/or drug use.
6. By law and for the comfort of all Park guests and employees, smoking is permitted only in designated smoking areas. Smoking is not permitted inside any building, restroom, picnic terrace, ride queue line, or on Park midways, Kiddieland, and Lagoon A Beach. For the convenience of guests who smoke, smoking is permitted in the parking lot and ‘Sit & Smoke Stations’ conveniently located throughout the Park.
7. At the discretion of Lagoon, pets may be permitted on the Park. Pets must receive proper care, must be leashed at all times, and may not be left unattended. Animals will not be permitted to be tethered to Park fencing, ride queues, or to board rides. Rides are not designed to accomodate [sic] animals. Pets will not be admitted to Lagoon A Beach. Due to health and safety concerns, service animals are discouraged within the confines of Lagoon A Beach, and if permitted, must remain a minimum of 10 feet from the water. Pet owners are responsible for the clean up of their animal’s waste.
8. No glass bottles or containers, including alcoholic beverages, are allowed in the Park, except in designated picnic areas. Alcoholic beverages are not allowed in Lagoon A Beach.
9. Games have daily and seasonal limits on the number of prizes that can be won by a single guest. Details are available at each game.
10. Lagoon assumes no responsibility for a guest’s personal property whether in a picnic area or elsewhere on the Park.
11. Vehicles parked in such a way as to be a safety hazard or which impede normal flow of traffic or in restricted areas are subject to being towed at the owner’s expense.
12. All guests are subject to search.

LAGOON EXPRESSLY RESERVES THE RIGHT, AT ITS SOLE AND ABSOLUTE DISCRETION, TO TAKE WHATEVER ACTION IT DEEMS, NECESSARY TO CORRECT ANY SITUATION IN VIOLATION OF THE ABOVE RULES OR THAT REPRESENTS A THREAT TO OR BREACH OF SAFETY, SECURITY, NORMAL PARK OPERATION, OR THE ENJOYMENT OF THE GUESTS OF LAGOON.

This is different that other private property owners who can post signs prohibiting firearms, but those signs have no legal backing; the private property owner is the sole party responsible for enforcing their policy. “Houses of Worship,” however, had to have the following law passed because most churches (the LDS church in particular) openly welcome the public (LDS church houses have a sign out front which states “Public Welcome” or “Visitors Welcome”). This muddied the law and made church houses quasi-public spaces, which apparently convey quasi-public rights. The LDS church is the only church organization that has completed the requirements of 76-10-530 to lawfully prohibit firearms in their Houses of Worship (effective February 9, 2008 – one month after a member was murdered in cold blood in an LDS church parking lot^{1, 2}).

According to Utah State Code as pulled from http://le.utah.gov/~code/TITLE76/htm/76_10_053000.htm on 01/27/2009:

76-10-530. Trespass with a firearm in a house of worship or private residence — Notice — Penalty.
     (1) A person, including a person licensed to carry a concealed firearm pursuant to Title 53, Chapter 5, Part 7, Concealed Weapon Act, after notice has been given as provided in Subsection (2) that firearms are prohibited, may not knowingly and intentionally:
     (a) transport a firearm into:
     (i) a house of worship; or
     (ii) a private residence; or
     (b) while in possession of a firearm, enter or remain in:
     (i) a house of worship; or
     (ii) a private residence.
     (2) Notice that firearms are prohibited may be given by:
     (a) personal communication to the actor by:
     (i) the church or organization operating the house of worship;
     (ii) the owner, lessee, or person with lawful right of possession of the private residence; or
     (iii) a person with authority to act for the person or entity in Subsections (2)(a)(i) and (ii);
     (b) posting of signs reasonably likely to come to the attention of persons entering the house of worship or private residence;
     (c) announcement, by a person with authority to act for the church or organization operating the house of worship, in a regular congregational meeting in the house of worship;
     (d) publication in a bulletin, newsletter, worship program, or similar document generally circulated or available to the members of the congregation regularly meeting in the house of worship; or
     (e) publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the county in which the house of worship is located or the church or organization operating the house of worship has its principal office in this state.
     (3) A church or organization operating a house of worship and giving notice that firearms are prohibited may:
     (a) revoke the notice, with or without supersedure, by giving further notice in any manner provided in Subsection (2); and
     (b) provide or allow exceptions to the prohibition as the church or organization considers advisable.
     (4) (a) (i) Within 30 days of giving or revoking any notice pursuant to Subsection (2)(c), (d), or (e), a church or organization operating a house of worship shall notify the division on a form and in a manner as the division shall prescribe.
     (ii) The division shall post on its website a list of the churches and organizations operating houses of worship who have given notice under Subsection (4)(a)(i).
     (b) Any notice given pursuant to Subsection (2)(c), (d), or (e) shall remain in effect until revoked or for a period of one year from the date the notice was originally given, whichever occurs first.
     (5) Nothing in this section permits an owner who has granted the lawful right of possession to a renter or lessee to restrict the renter or lessee from lawfully possessing a firearm in the residence.
     (6) A violation of this section is an infraction.