Gun violence prevention & policy

I believe that Gun Violence is a major issue across this country, but also here in our very own County. California has some of the strictest Gun Laws, but that doesn’t matter unless law enforcement actually enforces these laws. As Sheriff, I will ensure that all California Gun laws and local County gun laws are enforced. However, we need to be proactive when addressing Gun Violence. This doesn’t just include enforcement of our laws, but programs to reduce violence inside our San Diego County communities, and educational material to prevent unintentional gun deaths.

Concealed Carry Policies and Procedures

By law, the Sheriff is the only entity that issues concealed carry weapon (CCW) permits in San Diego County. I pledge to follow the law and make sure that the application processes for a CCW permit are clear and consistent. However, the background investigation process will be robust to ensure that individuals carrying concealed firearms do not pose a threat to their neighbors and fellow San Diego County residents. A summary of my process is follows:

The Sheriff may issue a CCW if the applicant is:

  1. Of good moral character(passing a background check)

  2. Demonstrates good cause for the CCW

  3. Presents proof of residency within the County.

Basic requirements for a CCW are:

  • completed application

  • proof of residency

  • completion of a state mandated class by a licensed instructor

  • criminal background check

  • good cause statement

For further information about the CCW permit process, see our position paper regarding CCW policies and procedures.

Ghost Guns

In my opinion, it is common sense that all firearms and anything that can be a firearm must be serialized. There should not be anything resembling a firearm and that operates like a firearm that doesn’t contain a serial number. As an investigative body, tracing unserialized firearms doesn’t only hinder law enforcement investigations, but also wastes precious time and resources of law enforcement trying to connect the firearm to its owner.

Gun Shows

I believe that there is a right to legally purchase firearms and while gun sales at Gun Shows aren’t illegal in California, they are also risky. When there are massive gun sales in a given area, it also encourages “offsite gun purchases” where an individual may be sold a firearm outside of the premises of the gun show and all necessary paperwork may not be completed in those sales, making that individual sale an illegal gun sale. We need to make sure that we prevent loopholes in our system that don't provide accountability for those who purchase firearms.