CCSO will not assist the FBI with an audit of CCW permits - August, 2022

Over the past few weeks, I have received numerous citizen contacts, reference a possible Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) audit of our local (*identifiable) Carry Concealed Weapon (CCW) permits. Please know, I have worked tirelessly to "get to the bottom of this" and obtain facts, and thus, disseminate facts. As Washington, D.C. is approximately 914 miles from Callaway County - and without a doubt, the federal playground for which such an "audit" would be called down from - I felt it important to make some calls to determine just what was, or was not, about to occur. Too, I had no desire to be a part of any political gamesmanship and again, only determine and provide facts.

Moving forward, after making some contacts, I have been assured our agency will NOT be receiving any such request from Washington, D.C. (this potential audit request does not involve our local FBI agents whom frequently assist us with criminal investigations). But please know, if that is to change, my answer will be an unequivocal NO. Not only is it against Missouri state law (Chapter 571, RSMo) for me to provide such records to any entity, I will absolutely NOT participate in any type of government overreach, through any medium or manner.

I hope I proved that to the community a few years prior when I refused for this office, under my watch, to enforce (or assist other agencies in enforcing) apparent government overreach (frequently termed as "restrictions") against our citizens, enacted during the pandemic. Simply put, our office never closed -- not one single day --and I refused to tell citizens what to wear (i.e. masks). Government overreach is not my game, period! I too was one of the local Sheriffs whom spent hours at the Missouri State Capitol supporting the concept of the Second Amendment Preservation Act (SAPA) to protect law abiding, taxpaying citizens from potential forthcoming, unnecessary restrictions.

In closing, rest assured, I'm told no such CCW audit will be occurring in Callaway County. Should Washington, D.C. officials deviate in their desire, my answer remains the same --- NO. It's that simple.

As I frequently say, it's time to start focusing on criminals --- not harassing law abiding, tax paying citizens. It's that simple.

As always, citizens are welcome to contact me with any questions. I believe elected officials shall make themselves available to the public.

Respectfully, your Sheriff,

Clay Chism