Should Veterans status be included in a national database linked to their drivers license information?

PO3 John Wagner — Sat, 25 Mar 2017 22:32:36 -0400

As a veteran with PTSD I have had negative experiences with our justice system because of it. I expect,law enforcement to understand that my proper attitude is not submission or an easy admission of guilt but simple respect and a propensity to not argue,in a situation. With PTSD anything that looks like it's going South for all the wrong reasons causes a negative reaction. Or worse no reaction.

Response by SFC George Smith made Mar 25 at 2017 10:49 PM

SFC George Smith — Sat, 25 Mar 2017 22:49:39 -0400

interesting Outlook...

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2017 11:40 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Mar 2017 23:40:00 -0400

PO3 John Wagner No. Too much risk of misuse or theft of this data.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Mar 25 at 2017 11:41 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Sat, 25 Mar 2017 23:41:15 -0400

Thanks at PO3 John Wagner for sharing an interesting perspective.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2017 12:20 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Mar 2017 00:20:17 -0400

I choose no for the following reasons. Too much of an opportunity for abuse of the data collected, as in some Liberal Politicians ability to access the data and use it to deny our 2nd Amendment rights. Suffering from PTSD is a private matter between you and your counselor/physician or family and I do not want myself or anyone else brought into the limelight because of it - I don't think it's anyone's business but mine, or as I stated above. Lastly, I could see a scenario where the cops are called to any situation where they find out you have PTSD and deem you a threat to society. One could get shot by the Police if said military man/woman were experiencing an episode. No, I disagree with anyone who thinks this is a good idea.

Response by PO2 Sybil "TT" I. made Mar 26 at 2017 12:25 AM

PO2 Sybil "TT" I. — Sun, 26 Mar 2017 00:25:45 -0400

Hell, no. Most people don't understand PTSD (even VA healthcare professionals). Best not to mention it unless absolutely relevant and necessary. Also, as others mentioned, way to much risk of abuse and misuse of data.

Response by PVT Mark Brown made Mar 26 at 2017 10:18 AM

PVT Mark Brown — Sun, 26 Mar 2017 10:18:36 -0400

In California there is an option available to veterans to have a driver's license indicate veteran status. Here is the link: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/coi/veterans/veterans_driver_license I have not yet done so but plan to get it done soon. You know how that is, the "round toit" thing.

How to Add the Veteran Designation to Your DL/ID Card

California DMV Home Page is available for customers to check out publications, download forms, brochures, FAQs, Vehicle Information, Boats, Vessel, and Field Offices.

Response by CSM Richard Welsch made Mar 26 at 2017 10:57 AM

CSM Richard Welsch — Sun, 26 Mar 2017 10:57:38 -0400

No way! You get cops with the Napoleon complex and you finished

Response by SFC William H. made Mar 26 at 2017 1:40 PM

SFC William H. — Sun, 26 Mar 2017 13:40:00 -0400

PO3 John Wagner: I cant see anything good coming from the compilation of a data base linked to one's driver's license. If you are a retired vet and you want the officer to know you are a vet, give him/her your license and your ID card. If you just address an officer as "Sir/Ms, he/she will probably ask you if you are a vet. So much disrespect these days toward LE.......

Response by SGT David T. made Mar 27 at 2017 12:16 PM

SGT David T. — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 12:16:38 -0400

My answer is no. I don't trust the government with my information to begin with. Not that it matters since OPM got hacked and other countries have all my information now anyways.

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Mar 27 at 2017 2:09 PM

SGT Dave Tracy — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 14:09:52 -0400

In general answer to your question, I'd say no, I really don't want a veteran (or VA diagnosis of something like PTSD) database, but I have to ask when it comes to the idea of giving the police a heads-up about someone's veteran status, just what kind of special reaction or special treatment should the coppers give a veteran that everyone shouldn't receive?

Response by SPC Brian Mason made Mar 27 at 2017 3:59 PM

SPC Brian Mason — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 15:59:56 -0400

Yes. Veteran status is different than a medical diagnosis. That should be kept confidential. In fact, according to HIPAA all health related information, by law, i supposed to be accessible to those who are privy to it; those of us who work in healthcare and need access to the MR to do our jobs. No one else outside of that should have access. A "V" on the DL and in a database would be a good idea to an extent. That's all I'll speak on it for now.