Mandatory Mental Screening tests for Gun Owners...

[dutch508]

ProgressiveEconomist (5,241 posts) http://www.democraticunderground.com/10027244583

Should firearm seekers have their heads examined?


Even NRA-approved legislators are talking about the need for mental health reforms to reduce daily massacres in the US.

Some jurisdictions, including California, allow for psychological testing of applicants for concealed handgun carrying licenses. Given the prevalence in the US of mental health issues that could erupt in violence, it seems to me that such testing might be required of (a) all applicants for CCW and also (b) all weapons seekers subject to firearm-purchase background tests.

How much time elapses between a gun nut’s most recent firearm purchase and his perpetrating a massacre? How often are massacre weapons purchased locally? Are psychological tests capable of diagnosing reliably risks of gun violence? Could such risks be diminished by at least making local law enforcement aware of apparent homicidal hotheads, such as the Oregonian who wiped out many of his literature classmates?

What are your thoughts and on requiring psychological tests for (a) all applicants for CCW and also for (b) all customers for whom firearm dealers seek background checks?

Here is an excerpt from the California CCW license application regarding possible local requirements for (a).

From https://www.sjpd.org/PDF_Forms/BOF_4012_CCWapplication_112012.pdf

STATE OF CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
BOF 4012 (Rev. 11/2012), PAGE 1 of 13
BUREAU OF FIREARMS STANDARD INITIAL AND RENEWAL APPLICATION FOR LICENSE TO CARRY A CONCEALED WEAPON

Authority: California Penal Code sections 26150 and 26155 provide that a sheriff of a county or the chief or other head of a municipal police department of any city or city and county may issue a license to carry a pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person (CCW license). Penal Code section 26175 requires the Attorney General to prescribe a statewide standard application form for a CCW license.

Who May be Issued a License: The licensing authority specified in Penal Code sections 26150 and 26155 (a sheriff or the chief or other head of a municipal police department) may issue a license to persons who are of good moral character, who have completed a course of training, and where good cause exists for issuance of the CCW license. All applicants for a CCW license will be fingerprinted and state and federal records will be checked to determine if they are eligible to possess firearms. The attachment to this application list all categories that would prohibit a person from possessing firearms and being granted a CCW license. These attachments are updated annually to reflect new legislation and other changes in the law.

Psychological Testing: In addition to licensing requirements as specified by the licensing authority, jurisdictions may require psychological testing on the initial application. If required, the applicant shall be referred to a licensed psychologist used by the licensing authority for the psychological testing of its own employees. Any fees charged will be the responsibility of the applicant and such fees shall not exceed $150.00 for an initial test.

Sounds like a winner.

saturnsring (263 posts)
1. yes yearly and they should have to have insurance for if they kill someone and should have to submit to police inspection of weapons at any time.

How many violations of law can we fit into one sentence?

ProgressiveEconomist (5,241 posts)
4. The psychologist's fee could be picked up by the State, county, or ATF, if you insist.

Make it part of OBarrycare.

sub.theory (627 posts)
20. It's a clear violation of equal protection

You can't deny some 60 million people (estimated US population with some mental illness) their Constitutionally guaranteed rights based on a relative handful of mass murderers. It's a blatant violation of equal protection. The blame it all on mental illness angle is the worst scapegoating I've seen in recent memory. 60 million people aren't potential mass murderers.

sub.theory (627 posts)
28. Based on your logic that a handful of dangerous people Justifies the violation of the rights of a much larger, innocent population why not allow for testing of all gun purchasers for being a suspicious black male? Young black men are statistically the most incarcerated population after all. It will make scared white people feel better and that's what really matters, right? Or maybe we should do the same thing about Muslims? After all, they might be a terrorist. Yes, what these people need is a good inquisition to find out what's in their hearts. Can you see how dangerous what are are proposing is? I realize your intentions, but you are attempting to violate the rights of potentially millions of innocent people based upon nothing but some vague suspicion. There is no evidence people with mental illness are more violent than the general population. You can't just deny people their Constitutional rights without justification. Sorry, but gun control will have to be uniform. Scapegoating the mentally ill isn't going to work anymore than singling out black men or Muslims.

ouch

sub.theory (627 posts)
43. Most terrorists are Muslims

So it then I suppose it follows that we need to test for Islamic beliefs when issuing gun licenses. Afterall statistics back that most terrorist attacks are by Muslims. So, what's the problem? Let's prevent devout Muslim men from owing guns. Chances are it will catch terrorists and if millions of innocents are wrongly denied, so what? It's the exact same reasoning you are using.

So, please explain how your psychological test will avoid this very same fallacy. You are attempting to quantify the unquantifiable and predict the unpredictable. Criminal activity is the only solid basis - just as is the case with terrorism.

Bonx (742 posts)
27. The right to purchase and consume alcohol definitely kills a bunch of folks

We should have a test for that too, yes ?

saturnsring (263 posts)
57. your 2a rights come from scotus and not the constitution

your constitutional 2a rights went away with the well-regulated militia being necessary to a free state. no militia, no 2a

Phentex (11,224 posts)
80. No one is required to own a gun...

you have the right to it but nobody said you have a speedy right to it. You were the one talking about the logistics nightmare.

How long did women and blacks wait for the "right" to vote? Oh, the law had to be changed you say?

Well, then change the laws. Even the laws about owning a gun. How hard would the logistics be then?

These arguments always end with how difficult the logistics would be...just like if we allowed same sex couples to marry. Etc.

[Patriot Guard Rider]

I've seen it suggested in that cesspool that if you wanted to buy a gun, that proved you were mentally ill and automatically denied the right to buy one.

Of course, that means, if you don't want a gun, it proves you're sane so you can now go buy something you don't want

 

[franksolich]

What is this?

Even NRA-approved legislators are talking about the need for mental health reforms to reduce daily massacres in the US.

Anybody know?

Am I missing something in the news?

[Duke Nukum]

There should be a mandatory mental screening for people who vote Democrat Party. 

As have been proven, the Progressive vote is deadlier than any gun.

[Duke Nukum]

What is this?

Anybody know?

Am I missing something in the news?

Bernie Sanders?

[Chris_]

What is this?

Anybody know?

Am I missing something in the news?

He must have confused the NRA with Planned Parenthood (or he tuned in to WGN on a Saturday night).

[Ralph Wiggum]

DUmmies need to stop thinking & posting their moronic ideas.  Of course if they stopped, it would be less entertaining for us.

[jukin]

Hey DUchebags IT IS THE LAW OF THE LAND. THE HIGHEST LAW OF THE LAND.

Please kindly suck it.

[dutch508]

In 2014 the population of the US was 318,857,056. There were 2,971.8 homicides in 2014. The rate is 4.5 per 100,000.

http://www.disastercenter.com/crime/uscrime.htm

[98ZJUSMC]

ProgressiveEconomist (5,241 posts)
4. The psychologist's fee could be picked up by the State, county, or ATF, if you insist.

 

[FlaGator]

On the positive side, very few libs will qualify to own guns.

[Tess Anderson]

Maybe they should employ the same mandatory mental screening test on Election Day then every election would be a slam dunk for the GOP.

[thundley4]

What is this?
Quote
Even NRA-approved legislators are talking about the need for mental health reforms to reduce daily massacres in the US.
Anybody know?

Am I missing something in the news?

Well, realistically if you add all the blacks killing blacks every single day, it would be equal and greater than a massacre.

[Ptarmigan]

Maybe they should employ the same mandatory mental screening test on Election Day then every election would be a slam dunk for the GOP.

I like that idea.

[thundley4]

Mandatory drug testing for all government benefits, including those who "earn" a salary from the government.

[hillneck]

saturnsring (263 posts)
57. your 2a rights come from scotus and not the constitution

Really , my copy of the constitution has it written in it.  I must have a special addition.  Granted the SCOTUS has ruled, more than once, that the 2nd is a individual right.   

[Maxiest]

Bunch of smart in that thread.

[AprilRazz]

saturnsring (263 posts)
57. your 2a rights come from scotus and not the constitution

your constitutional 2a rights went away with the well-regulated militia being necessary to a free state. no militia, no 2a

Another one that skipped any kind of basic civics lesson.

[Ralph Wiggum]

Another one that skipped any kind of basic civics lesson.

That, or he/she/it follows the Constitution just like 0bama does.  With utter disregard.

[obumazombie]

Mental testing should be mandatory for non gun owners.

[Airwolf]

They are all about as sharp as bowling balls over there.
 

[I_B_Perky]

They are all about as sharp as bowling balls over there.

I disagree.  Bowling balls are waaaay sharper than dummies.

[Maverick1987]

I disagree.  Bowling balls are waaaay sharper than dummies.

...and serve a useful purpose.   

[miskie]

...and serve a useful purpose.   

They do ! A DUmmy head doesn't stand a chance against a bowling ball.