I've been informed when I go to get my permit, the guy doing the printing asks "why?"

[Black Knight]

Virginia is a shall issue state. Tell him that the Virginia State Supreme Court has ruled that you don't have to anwer "Why", that there is no requirement for need anymore. They have come down hard on jurisdictions that added crap that is not required by state law. Asking "why do you want or need one", is not required by state law.

 

[benEzra]

The only comment the deputy who took my prints made to me about my CHL application when I applied, was to opine that the state ought to issue them free to qualified applicants instead of charging them $90+.

 

[MASTEROFMALICE]

I think all of these answers are quite insane, actually.

Virginia is a shall-issue state. If he asks why you need you prints done, tell him it's for you carry permit.

If he asks why you need a carry permit, just look at him and shrug and ask to have your prints done.

If for whatever reason he doesn't take your prints, post here and let everyone know what the problem is and who this Lt. is.

 

[.cheese.]

we don't need no stinkin reason.

 

[goon]

My PA permit also has a slot for the reason.
Mine has protection in that slot.

 

[mgregg85]

"Why do I carry!?! I tell you what. I will leave my firearm at home, IF your agency can guarantee, in writing, that my family or I will NEVER fall victim to a violent crime."

"Oh you mean you can't guarantee that in writing? Then it sounds like you are telling me that our safety is ultimately my responsibility. In that case, I think I will continue to carry just like I wear a seat belt when I get behind the wheel. I dont plan on using the seatbelt either, but I wear it just in case..."

I rather enjoyed this one... Ought to stop a questioning officer real quick.

 

[The Unknown User]

When I took my CCW class here in MA, I was told to put "All lawful purpose" in that field on the application.

Apparently it relieves the department of any potential liability if they issue me a license and then I go crazy or something.

 

[Larry E]

In WA State which is shall issue, the clerk when I lived there just entered "travel" without asking in the space marked purpose. In Montana, where a CCP is only required in towns, and mining or railroad camps I did the same thing even though a loaded gun in a vehicle is legal without a permit.

"The law says I can," is a good answer too IMHO.

 

[Treo]

QUOTE: " QUOTE "Yeah but what do you do when he holds you there till they get the qualified interpreter that Deafs are entitled to under ADA ?"

Have even more fun with both of them, of course! "

Ok what happens when the interpreter get out of their car and recognises you? ( The Deaf community is pretty small in the Springs & this is a very real possibility) Or takes one look at your signing " accent" & tells the cop you're hearing?

 

[romma]

So I can fight my way to my rifle!

Not that I would put that down,,, but you never know!

To see the looks on some faces...

 

[44AMP]

In some places, a reason is required

Waay back, 30+ years ago when I lived in NYS, for the permit you had to fill in a reason. "Hunting and sporting" was acceptable to some judges (who sign the permit, and ultimately decide whether or not you get approved) while other judges would only accept "Self Protection" as a valid reason. In those days it paid to learn which county judge went which way, and present them with paperwork that was to their liking.

Also, consider that there is a (subtle) difference between asking "why do you want a permit?" and "Why do you need a permit?" And, there is the off chance that the officer asks everyone, so that when someone answers "I need it to get a gun to shoot people (or person XXXX) he can take that into consideration. It may sound stupid, but believe it or not there are people out there who will answer questions like that. Police bust people often (if not everyday) simply by asking questions like "Got any dope on you?" Idiots who answer "yes" find out pretty quick what happens. If even one idiot is kept from getting a permit because he (stupidly and honestly) answers that he intends to harm others, isn't it worth asking all of us that (stupid) question?

They could be asking to see if you get easily upset, flying into hysterics about your rights after being asked a simple (and supposedly reasonable) question. Such a response might indicate a less than stable personality, again, someone who probably ought not to have a gun permit. Or at least someone they would want to keep an eye on.

Of course, if you consider the question rude, simply say so, politely.

 

[dtown240]

I think my answer would depend on whether he was asking in a professional or a personal capacity. Barring any state requirement that needs a reason (my state does not), I would have to guess he's asking in a personal way. A) has probably been used 1000x, B)Is the truth, and C) is a little on the terse, non-sociable, side.

I'd go with B.

 

[Don Gwinn]

This is really no big deal. He can't legally deny you the permit, so say whatever you want. My advice would be to react to his attitude.
If he's unprofessional about it and clearly trying to discourage you, then I'd react by being quiet and terse. Either silence or "Self-defense, sir."
If he's making conversation, then by all means, engage him in conversation if you want. You can't say anything that's going to disqualify you (unless you actually are planning to commit a crime with a permitted weapon.)

 

[WildcatRegi]

I was asked that

I was asked why I needed the .44 mag by the officer who was doing the 'safety check' which is required after using a purchase permit.

I merely asked if that was an official question or idle curiosity. When he just said he was wondering, I replied "oh" and ignored him, that is until I had to show him how to operate it because he obviously didn't.

 

[MT GUNNY]

the form in MT asks why also .
I put avid outdoorsman and frequently travel, Personal defence.

Dont lie or give smart@%& remark!

 

[pbearperry]

If a cop is being a jerk,keep your cool,because a jerk will always win,if the cops friendly,don't be afraid of conversing.You may find it hard to believe,but there are more friendlies out there than jerks..However,people usually only talk about the unfriendly encounters.

 

[blkbrd666]

QUOTE: "Ok what happens when the interpreter get out of their car and recognises you? ( The Deaf community is pretty small in the Springs & this is a very real possibility) Or takes one look at your signing " accent" & tells the cop you're hearing?"

Dang you're obstinate!!! :banghead: Interesting though, you're assuming that if a person can hear, they can also speak...not so.

 

[Treo]

QUOTE: "Dang you're obstinate!!! Interesting though, you're assuming that if a person can hear, they can also speak...not so."

And you appear to be assuming that if you CAN'T hear you can't speak.

I don't know a single Deaf person Who "grunts" when they communicate.

 

[ilbob]

He can ask anything he wants to.

 

[SaltH2OHokie]

now now...I'm not going to act deaf, or mute, so it's fairly irrelevant which characteristics I'd get wrong or right.

I did find this article when reading the news online this morning...seems he's had to ask a lot of people lately

http://hamptonroads.com/2008/04/growing-numbers-seeking-permits-concealed-handguns

If you don't feel like reading it, here are some relevant quotes:

Locally, Virginia Beach, Norfolk and Portsmouth all saw spikes in permit applications in 2007, but Suffolk saw the largest increase by percentage.

The sprawling, historically rural but fast-growing city saw applications jump 58 percent last year, and the first three months of 2008 have it on pace for another record, thanks to applicants such as Corbett and Donald Ryan.

In Suffolk, 194 people applied in the first three months of 2008.

 

[moooose102]

for self defense.

 

[Zach S]

Here in Colorado, which is shall issue, no such questions are asked.

I think its asked out of curiosity, or an attempt to start a converstation. I got asked in shall-issue NC.

Ever think of just telling him the truth without the wisecracks?

I did. Well, it was a lady that took my prints and did the paperwork. I told her that due to my mother's bad taste in men, I was well aware that no one could count on police protection (or something along those lines) and that I would have to take care of that myself.

 

[blkbrd666]

QUOTE: "I don't know a single Deaf person Who "grunts" when they communicate."

I don't remember anyone saying that deaf people grunt when they communicate. I suggested he do it to the officer for sheer effect.

 

[blkbrd666]

SaltH2OHokie, before I get flogged any more...you could grunt, then answer him in Japanese and tell him, "Because water is wet and the sky is blue.". Geez!!!

 

[El Tejon]

I vote the Kentucky way!