Two Down, Two To Go!

September 4, 2024

This morning I completed my interview with a deputy from the Alameda County Sheriff’s Department. I was a little nervous at the beginning, but the process was pretty straightforward.

Interview Part I (recorded)

I verified my birthdate and digital signature and then we reviewed the answers I’d submitted previously. The questions dealt with arrests, convictions, and any legal troubles in other counties, states, countries, etc. There were additional questions about previous ccw applications, restraining orders, illegal drug use, addictions to any substances (including alcohol), and mental health hospitalizations.

Interview Part II (not recorded)

We went through my livescan info and the deputy verified every California address associated with me from age 18 and onward. None of my out-of-state addresses came up. 

The deputy quizzed me on past moving violations but was only interested in ones from the past five years. I think they were also evaluating truthfulness since they have access to ones older than five years ago.

The deputy made a big deal about permit holders being arrested if their weapon is used and how the process of clearing your name can derail your life. I already had ccw insurance and that made a good impression.

Other points the deputy continued to drive home:

1. The importance of being aware of your surroundings and being discreet (not accidentally displaying your weapon in front of people who don’t know you have a permit and causing a panic, etc.)
2. The importance of being careful about not setting your weapon down and leaving it somewhere accidentally (e.g. restroom).
3. The importance of making sure your gun is physically secured/tethered to your car with a cable when it’s stored there.
4. The importance of understanding signs and laws. One example was a sign prohibiting weapons on the “premises” (including the parking lot, etc.) vs. “in the building.”

That was it. Up next are the psych eval and the CCW class/qualification.