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I have a question. The Chief of Police were I live wants me to submit a "Letter for Justification" on why I want to CCW. Anyone else have to do this? Any ideas on what I need to include in the letter to make the approval have a better chance? I'm not sure why this is required... didn't need it for my last CCW from my previous state.
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Indiana is "shall issue", so if you aren't ineligible, they are supposed to issue. Period.
I just took a quick look around and here's some additional info from
smartgunlaws.org:
"Indiana is a “shall issue” state, meaning that the Indiana State Police (ISP) must issue a concealed weapons license if the applicant meets certain qualifications. The Superintendent of the Indiana State Police (Superintendent) shall issue a license to carry a handgun if it appears that the applicant:
Has a proper reason for carrying a handgun (i.e., “for the defense of oneself or the state of Indiana;”
4 )..."
Footnote 4: "See Ind. Code Ann. § 35-47-1-8; Schubert v. DeBard, 398 N.E.2d 1339, 1341 (Ind. Ct. App. 1980). "
From Schubert v. DeBard: "We think it clear that our constitution provides our citizenry the right to bear arms for their self-defense. Furthermore, in Matthews v. State, supra, our Supreme Court held that if it is determined under IC 35-23-4.1-5 that the applicant has met the conditions of the statute, the superintendent has no discretion to withhold the license. 148 N.E.2d 337."
Interesting court case. It spells out quite clearly that "the defense of oneself " is appropriate justification. There you go.