There are lock-boxes with a key provided at Spokane County Court already. When you dealt with Yakima did they have no lock-boxes at all?
My specific case is that they are claiming that they need to temporarily "seize" our CPL's while we are in the courthouse and then they demand ID to get your CPL back. Apparently according to Deputy Chamberlin also if you don't have a CPL or ID and you check your firearm like you are supposed to, then you will be denied entrance even with your sidearm locked up in a lock-box! I've been trying to find the specific policy that states this and dealing with the Sheriffs Dept because their "Patrol Division" is responsible for courthouse security....
This is sincere BD. Do you think that going to the County Commissioners would help in this specific case? If so how?
Thanks!
-Thor
Yes the county had and has lock boxes and now so does the Jail which they did not provide for citizens but now do.
The County Court House is under the preview of the County Commissioners so if you can get the support of them it will be much easier to accomplish your task.
Regardless of the Sheriff's email or any policy they are still required to follow state law,
Remember that unless specifically addressed by law, it is legal for a citizen, their request is not supported by law and unenforceable.
When I discussed issues with the Commissioners in Yakima, they did seek advice from the Prosecuting Attorney and it has been my experience unless you spell it out with supporting state law they may try and side step things hoping you do not know what you are talking about.
You are armed well with many supporters on the forum to address this issue, including me if you wish to head down this road.
I would take the approach of citing;
Washington State Constitution Article 1 Section 24 RIGHT TO BEAR ARMS. The right of the individual citizen to bear arms in defense of himself, or the state, shall not be impaired, but nothing in this section shall be construed as authorizing individuals or corporations to organize, maintain or employ an armed body of men.
RCW 9.41.290 State Preemption
The state of Washington hereby fully occupies and preempts the entire field of firearms regulation within the boundaries of the state, including the registration, licensing, possession, purchase, sale, acquisition, transfer, discharge, and transportation of firearms, or any other element relating to firearms or parts thereof, including ammunition and reloader components. Cities, towns, and counties or other municipalities may enact only those laws and ordinances relating to firearms that are specifically authorized by state law, as in RCW 9.41.300, and are consistent with this chapter. Such local ordinances shall have the same penalty as provided for by state law. Local laws and ordinances that are inconsistent with, more restrictive than, or exceed the requirements of state law shall not be enacted and are preempted and repealed, regardless of the nature of the code, charter, or home rule status of such city, town, county, or municipality.
RCW 9.41.300 Weapons prohibited in certain places -- Local laws and ordinances -- Exceptions -- Penalty.
(1) It is unlawful for any person to enter the following places when he or she knowingly possesses or knowingly has under his or her control a weapon:
(b)
In addition, the local legislative authority shall provide either a stationary locked box sufficient in size for pistols and key to a weapon owner for weapon storage, or shall designate an official to receive weapons for safekeeping, during the owner's visit to restricted areas of the building. The locked box or designated official shall be located within the same building used in connection with court proceedings. The local legislative authority shall be liable for any negligence causing damage to or loss of a weapon either placed in a locked box or left with an official during the owner's visit to restricted areas of the building.
And advise them that you were being denied access to the county courthouse because security is acting outside the law.
