Stephen Helsley deposition (related to AB 962)

[Librarian]

Chuck Michel & Co have an 'after action report' available at Calgunlaws.com.

Especially amusing is the deposition taken from Stephen Helsley. Mr Helsley was also involved in the Roberti-Roos text (complaining that it didn't make sense), and the deposition for AB 962 on ammunition is here.

It's 214 pages; some is a bit dry, but I couldn't resist this part (pp 129/130):

... About -- awhile before Wil Cid retired as chief of the bureau, I asked him to run me through DROS -- there's a procedure that the bureau has for doing that -- and identify all the firearms that DROS thinks I have or have had, because I bought my first handgun that was DROS'd in 1964. And I asked Wil specifically, as I was told that there's some of the DROS system that's online and some that has to go back and be hand searched, so I asked him, "Okay. Profile me." Okay?

What I got back was a list of four handguns, one of which I'd bought in '73 and sold in '73, and that was correct. Two of the .22 revolvers that I've described to you were there. The fourth pistol, I'm not sure it's mine because the maker that's designated is wrong. The serial number's correct, the caliber's correct, but the make is wrong. So I don't know if that's mine or not. But here's what I know as well.

I know that I have receipts from stores where I bought -- like the Walther PPK/S that's described there. It's not in DROS. The .45 that I shot with that then CCI put serial numbers on is not in the DROS. There was a handgun that I bought for my daughter that I did an operation of law transfer on and neither I nor she is in the DROS, but the pièce de résistance is the Glock. I bought that from DOJ and it's not in the DROS.

Now, to the degree that I am a microcosm of the credibility of the DROS system, I submit to you that it's not very good.

[PsychGuy274]

Awesome. I'm glad I'm paying for a faulty system.

[cdtx2001]

I think the DROS system is a huge can of worms that needs to be opened up and poured out.

[wildhawker]

[eaglemike]

Librarian - thanks a bunch for this one!!!

It's a good thing we don't get all the government we pay for...... as someone once said.

I like the latin "Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?"

(the only latin I know, pretty sure)

[boxbro]

I sit and wonder if the DROS system has ever led to the capture and conviction of any non negligible number of criminals, or even one criminal for that matter ?

[Wildhawk66]

Awesome. I can't wait to see the action unfold on this one.

[SanPedroShooter]

Wow, what a great read. I am page 98 or so and the insight into our justice system, assembly and various gov departments is very eye opening. When he starts talking about all the awful bills and the legislators that really have no idea what there doing, I am left speechless.

Also the vague sense that these laws get written and DOJ lawyers "will just have to sort everything out". I am starting to have a better understanding of gun control in California. It really has nothing to do with public safety, I mean thats obvious, but to see it written down like that...
All I can say is this dude is awesome, I am glad he is/was on our side, even if he did author (under protest) the roberti/roos list
Another day at the sausage factory...

[Drivedabizness]

Librarian:

Thanks so much...I got to about page 50 and my eyes glazed over

I'd love to see other "nuggets" if anyone wants to post them

[Librarian]

I am but a conduit of the grace from Clint Montfort, Joshua Dale and Sean Brady - it's worthwhile to sign up at http://www.calgunlaws.com/ to get their emails.

[SanPedroShooter]

This should be required reading for anyone with a interest in the California justice system, the state assembly, CA gun laws, general gun and ammunition history, law and politics, and our court system.
Hensley's calls for review of the statutes that deal with firearms are clear and to the point, backed up by first hand knowledge of the system.
His anecdotal stories are eye opening. Read the one about the senator involved in the "not unsafe" handgun bill needing to have an aid show him what part of the gun the barrel is.
Its also worth considering the fate of the bill that caused this depo to be taken in the first place, AB 962. "Unconstitutional on its face" Consider that with further gun bills de leon has authored.
The enormity of our rotten system is clearly presented, wow.

Thank you for posting this.

Its also worth noting the mans curriculum vitae . It dosent get much deeper than this. Here's a guy who took Patrick Purdy's (stockton school yard shooter and impetus for the OG AW ban) rifle out for a test drive...

[ojisan]

It's 214 pages; some is a bit dry:

That's our Librarian, always as polite as possible.


Great post, thank you.

[Anchors]

That is hilarious. Good excerpt. Thanks Librarian.

[jb7706]

My personal favorite is from Mr. Krause, Atty for the State:

You're a life member of the Folsom Shooting Club, a wonderful place to shoot.

But then, I am biased.

[DesertGunner]

I'm pretty sure the system was never meant to store 100% accurate records of who owns what guns, since that would be 100% firearm registration. If we had that, then everybody here would be up in arms about this evil system that will be used for confiscation. You can't have it both ways...