MEDIA INQUIRY: KRQE re: Concealed Carry Licenses

Madison Conner, KRQE / Madison.Conner@krqe.com

I saw an article on the journal about 730 concealed carry licensees who will have to redo their license because instructors had a lapse in credentials. I was hoping to get an interview or statement from DPS on how the department found out about the instructors and what the people need to do now . -- To remain consistent, here is a proposed statement based on response to Colleen Heild: An audit of the 314 approved instructors was initiated when an employee discovered an instructor had not renewed their license. This resulted in 27 instructors being found to be out of compliance. As per Rule 10.8.2.22 D(1)(a) NMAC, if approved, an instructor permit is valid for four years; and per Rule 10.8.2.22 (E) NMAC, an approved instructor seeking to renew his or her permit shall file with the department at least 60 days before the date his or her permit expires. These 27 individuals were notified in writing to address this lapse, and that their concealed carry instructor permit and privileges were suspended immediately. As of today, four instructors were found to be complying and students were not affected; four instructors licenses have been renewed; three are pending renewal; two instructors received a final order on revocation; one instructor is pending a final order of revocation; and 13 instructors are pending revocation for failing to respond. Credentialing instructors is important to confirm they have cleared a required finger-print based background check, have an active insurance policy as mandated, and to verify the curriculum being taught has been approved by the department. Students who enrolled and completed training with the affected instructors were notified of the instructors lapsed credentials. The Department of Public Safety “coordinated with multiple DPS Concealed Carry Approved Instructors to provide make-up training at no cost to them, except for ammunition and range fees if this is required by the instructor.” The affected students have 90 days to complete the free make-up training from the date they are notified to maintain the active status of their concealed carry license, otherwise they are responsible for the full expenses of the application and training.