Is a backgroung check required from local Sheriff?????

[flyfishooltewah]

My C&R application was returned from the Hamilton County Sheriff's office today with a background check form and a request that I fill it out and pay $10 for a backgound check and come in and show my drivers license. I was under the impression a background check is why I sent it to the ATF. The Sheriff's office highlighted a part of the form that reads, "However, should you have information that may disqualify the person from obtaining a Federalfirearms license, please contact the Federal Firearms Licensing Center at 1-800-662-2750."

What is not highlighted right before that statement on the actual ATF form is "This form provides notification of a person's intent to apply for a Federal firearms license. It requires no action on your part."

My understanding is that this is a mere courtesy to the local Sheriff, does anyone know if I should be paying them $10 for a background check? Will this hold up my FFL? I really don't have the time to go downtown, and if I am not required to do so, why should I? Just taking more of my money and time, both of which are very scarce anymore.

Thanks in advance!

[Reservoir Dog]

Nothing is required from your local LE agency. You are just required to notify them that you are applying for a C&R license. ATF performs the background check.

Personally, I would just ignore the letter. However, I would keep it for your records. That provides proof that you did notify them.

[Guest GT_Rat]

What is not highlighted right before that statement on the actual ATF form is "This form provides notification of a person's intent to apply for a Federal firearms license. It requires no action on your part."

Except that the Sheriff might decide to come visit you for being a smart-ass I'd just highlight that portion of the form in a different color and send it back to them.

[Guest mustangdave]

Except that the Sheriff might decide to come visit you for being a smart-ass I'd just highlight that portion of the form in a different color and send it back to them.

Then Sheriff Pusser pays you a visit anyway...burn some gas show your face...ask a couple questions...and make nice nice

[TK47]

I would agree with mustangdave. It never hurts to have a cordial relationship with local law enforcement. You might give them a call and find out who handles that kind of paperwork for them, and make an appointment to ask him some questions about the process. You might clear up their misunderstanding, and make a new friend/ally in the process.

TK47

[Guest OttoMaddox]

It can never hurt to be on good terms with the local Sheriff. Ultimately the man with the badge IS the law where you live and on the street.

[flyfishooltewah]

I have nothing to hide or fear from them doing a background check, however I do assume that is what the ATF does with my application. I'm not certain why I should go above and beyond and provide the local sheriff anything more than required by law. If he is not going to smoke a cigar with me and talk guns, I really don't have time for it. I was really wondering if anyone else has experienced this when trying to get their C&R license. With that said, I respect the feedback and appreciate the comments, but I see the local sheriff as an elected official of the county government, and I do not see him as the "the law", since our last sheriff is doing serious time for trafficing.

[Guest c_o_jones]

Here's the same issue another TGO'er in Hamilton Co. had when applying for a C&R...

http://www.tngunowners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8837&highlight=Billy+Long