A Statement about the Governor's Press Conference on Reducing Crime and Violence ...

Since Governor DeWine's press conference last Tuesday announcing his initiative on reducing violence, we've been talking to the media nonstop. As usual, some are quoting us correctly and some are not.

We have tried to be crystal clear about 3 main points:

On the initiative:
We're glad to see the Governor focus so heavily on mental health and those actually committing crimes. This is the right direction for addressing these issues and a huge step forward from the Kasich administration. Crime and violence are people problems, not weapon problems.

On protection orders:
We don't support "red flag" laws because we've never seen one that respects due process. We maintain that current law provides the tools needed to deal with dangerous people. The administration says they're doing something entirely different, but there's nothing in writing. So when there is a bill to look at, we'll read it closely and render our opinion.

On background checks and crime:
We don't support background checks for personal firearm transfers between individuals. This is a violation of personal property rights, and it won't affect crime at all. Most criminals will never go through a background check. They get their guns through illegal means today and will continue to do so tomorrow.

I encourage you to read our Q&A on Gov. DeWine's Safety Initiative. We list the entire 17-point plan and provide clear and direct answers to some of the most common questions we've been getting.

Dean Rieck is Executive Director of Buckeye Firearms Association, a former competitive shooter, NRA Patron Member, #1 NRA Recruiter for 2013, business owner and partner with Second Call Defense.