I am tired of seeing chiefs of police on the news bad mouthing and demonizing LTC and am even more concerned about their seeming ability to pick and choose which law they like or dislike and then use their official position accordingly. For many, many years, St. Louis County Chief of Police Ron Battelle has been disparaging LTC and recently, since the Supreme Court decision, he has gone out of his way to speak out against it. I believe that he is trying to intimidate the general public. He has refused to either issue or process LTC applications claiming that there is a 15 day waiting period after the Supreme Court decision in which he doesn't have to issue or take applications. That time period, which I didn't agree with anyhow, expired Friday evening.

This morning, Monday, March 15th, I appeared before the St. Louis County Police Department, gun permit section. Accompanying me were two SACMO supporters and camera crews from local television stations KTVI FOX 2 and KPLR WB 11 to document the event. I had anticipated that they would not have applications available so I created my own right out of 571.094, RSMo, plus I had a check all made out.

Sure enough, when I got to the window and announced what I wanted to do the clerk told me that "they are not processing LTC applications." I told her that I had my own, including my proof of safety training, I.D. and a check for $100.00. She refused to accept it, again saying that they can't take applications for LTC. I stated that I must be given a refusal in writing. At that point she called to Lt. Chris Stocker to take over. He reiterated the same points and added that it was "on advice of counsel." I stated again that I wanted it in writing. He said that I have to go see Ms. Patricia Redington, St. Louis County Counselor, to get the written notice.

So, with camera crews in tow, we went to see Ms. Redington. She was expecting us. We were all invited into her office and I told her that I wanted "to apply for a LTC certificate" and she said that they can't issue them. I asked why. She said  because they were going to file a lawsuit. I stated, right in front of the cameras, "Yes, and someday I am going to lose 10 pounds, but I'm not going out to buy all new clothes just yet." I then asked her if she knew of any injunction or court ruling that prevented them from issuing the LTC. She stated that the Supreme Court said that it was an un-funded mandate. I stated that the Court listed only 4 counties and not St. Louis. She said, "Well, we are not going to be issuing LTC certificates." I said that I wanted a written refusal. She said that she will mail one to me. I said that I was told that she would give me one now. She repeated herself about mailing it.

At that point we left and went straight to the Court of authority, as per 571.094, the Small Claims Court and filed suit. I named Patricia Redington, Chief Ron Battelle and Lt. Chris Stocker as defendants. I was assigned a court date of Wednesday, April 28th, at 1:30 P. M. I am suing for a small amount of money damages but mainly, I want them to obey the "shall issue" law and process LTC Applications.

So, as Judge Wappner's clerk used to say, "Don't take the law into your own hands, you take them to court." Yes, but he forgot to tell me that my hands would be shaking for the rest of the day and that it all takes time and money.

Coincidentally, at 1:30 today, St. Charles County Sheriff's department was to have had a press conference, I believe, about how they were going to be issuing LTC permits. The timing could not have been better for us. If anything else develops, SACMO will keep you informed.

Dale A. Schmid, President,

The Second Amendment Coalition of Mo. Inc.