Indiana Sheriffs’ Association Position on Gun Control
Indiana’s Sheriffs join our Nation as we mourn the loss of precious lives. In the aftermath of tragedy, much focus has been directed at issues pertaining to guns and gun control.
While the debate stirs strong feelings across our country, Indiana’s Sheriffs have taken an oath to uphold the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Indiana. Furthermore, we have sworn to do this according to law and to the best of our ability.
The 2nd Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees our citizens the right to keep and bear arms. As sheriffs we recognize the rule of law and that the United States Supreme Court and our State courts have the authority to determine the constitutionality of all laws. The 2nd Amendment is no stranger to debate and has faced challenges since it was adopted by our forefathers in 1791. Now, just as then, it has been made very clear; law abiding citizens are guaranteed this right so that they may protect themselves from those who would place them in harm’s way.
While much of the debate has focused on firearms, Indiana’s Sheriffs believe firearms are inanimate objects that have no will of their own. They are merely instruments of violence exploited by those with evil intent. We also believe the energy of this debate would be better focused on the issues upon which we agree. It is critical that we continue to work to keep firearms out of the hands of those who would use them to commit acts of violence against our citizens.
We must increase our efforts to identify individuals with malevolent intent in advance and better use the system currently in place to prevent them from gaining access to firearms. The approach to this multifaceted problem must be comprehensive in nature. In addition to the vigorous prosecution for those who break the law, we must also focus our efforts on strengthening the safety and security of our school facilities, providing better access to mental health treatment, and enhancing training and resources for those who may be targets of violence.
Indiana’s Sheriffs also recognize that no attempt to prevent the violence that occurred at Sandy Hook will be complete unless we find a way to address the culture of violence that negatively impacts today’s youth. While these tasks may seem daunting, sheriffs stand ready for the challenge and the opportunity to address these issues.
As Indiana’s Constitutional Sheriffs, we remain focused on solutions, but we will not accept any concept that separates law-abiding citizens from their 2nd Amendment Rights without due process. The authority of the Office of Sheriff is derived from the Indiana Constitution and those who have entrusted us with our office. Those documents bind us together as a people, both as Hoosiers and as Americans. At a time when those who are governed have less trust in those who govern, it is important that we hold steadfast in our beliefs. We must focus our attention not on what divides us but instead on what keeps us together!
Indiana’s County Sheriffs have given great thought and consideration to their position on the current issues pertaining to our citizens’ 2nd Amendment Rights and the recent national discussion concerning gun control legislation. The position of Indiana’s Sheriffs’ Association is simply that—the position of the Association. The reporting of our position as a matter of public record is acceptable in any public form, but, unless explicitly granted, we do not endorse, nor desire the Indiana Sheriffs’ Association’s name or individual member sheriffs’ names being used without specific permission. This refers to “For Profit” organizations using Indiana’s County Sheriff’s name in a way that suggests we are “endorsing” or “joining” their positions or statements regarding this national issue. The Indiana Sheriffs’ Association remains an independent and private association representing the Office of Sheriff in the State of Indiana.
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