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Steele County Sheriff’s Race 2022

Sheriff's election, owatonna, steele county, lon thiele, helget
Candidates share views on gun control
By
Kay Fate, Staff Writer

In an effort to keep our readers as informed as possible about the upcoming election and the choices they are offered, we are asking the candidates of several races to weigh in on the issues.

That includes the race for Steele County Sheriff. Incumbent Sheriff Lon Thiele is facing challenger Darrin Helget, who is currently a deputy sheriff for the SCSO.

Every week through Nov. 2, we will publish the answer to a weekly question, designed just for the sheriff candidates. There will be a word limit; the only editing we’ll do is if the answer is too long.

We sincerely hope this is beneficial to you, our reader, about the issues affecting Steele County, where the candidates stand and how they may address those concerns.

Here's this week's question:

Are there gun control/violence prevention measures you would like to see initiated? If yes, what are some examples? Answers were limited to 300 words.

 

Steele County Deputy Darrin Helget: There are already gun control laws in place. I support the Second Amendment for all law-abiding citizens. I enjoy both hunting and recreational shooting with my family, like many other citizens of Steele County. Gun safety is important and starts at home; many of our deputies are involved in youth firearms safety training.

Background checks are already required to purchase firearms. You need a permit to purchase a handgun, signed by the chief law enforcement officer of your jurisdiction - again, after a background check. Self-discipline from gun owners is imperative. Citizens have a right to protect themselves and others. I will not take that away.

An overwhelming percentage of unsecured firearms are often stolen and used in crimes. Don’t leave firearms in your vehicle; many thefts are crimes of opportunity. These are the guns making their way into criminal and violent acts. While Steele County may not have a high number of violent crimes, there are many instances of guns being stolen locally and recovered and/or used in other jurisdictions.

There are laws requiring owners to keep guns away from children. Secure your firearms from children and others. You may not have children living in your house, but perhaps you have grandchildren or friends that visit with children. There are many ways to secure a gun in your home or business such as gun locks, small or large safes.

Red Flag laws are present in 17 states, but not Minnesota. The legislature needs to be diligent in the language any proposed law would include. There must be a process validating the actual need for depriving a law-abiding individual of their second amendment right and allowing for due process.

We’ll continue to work with Crisis Resource Center, the courts, County Attorney, and Probation to make Steele County the safest possible.

 

Steele County Sheriff Lon Thiele: The question asked is a difficult answer in the limited space allowed. Differing interpretations of the second amendment and the “Right to Bear Arms,” have fueled a long-running debate over gun control legislation.

Those who support stricter gun control legislation have argued that limits are necessary on gun ownership, including who can own them, where they can be carried and what type of guns should be available for purchase.

In Minnesota we have effective measures for gun control in place already. An applicant applying for a gun permit to purchase will follow a series of questions from the Minnesota Data Practices Act. If you refuse to answer any of the questions a background check cannot be completed, and your application will not be processed.

  • Confined as a result of an emergency mental health or other type of hold order,
  • Confined as a result of a court hold order,
  • Committed by a court as mentally ill, developmentally disabled, or mentally ill and dangerous,
  • Committed by a court as chemically dependent,
  • Found incompetent to stand trial or have been found not guilty by reason of mental illness,
  • A peace officer informally admitted to a treatment facility for chemical dependency.

Also, in Minnesota, we in law enforcement can monitor behaviors and assist making decisions.

Signing the Authorization for Release of Data Form allows it to be sent to the appropriate law enforcement agency. When the data is sent to the law enforcement agency the data could be redisclosed as provided under federal and state law.

Individuals with restrictions shall not be entitled to possess a pistol or any other firearm. The legal basis for the restrictions may be found in Federal Law (18 United States Code 922) or Minnesota Statutes (253B.02, 624.712, 624.713, 624.7131, or 624.714).

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