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Dear Ms. xxxx,

I writing this email to respond to your letter dated January 15, 2013, regarding my NPR radio interview.

Let me begin by saying I am very sorry for causing anyone, especially you to be offended.  I have been enlightened by your letter and understand how such terminology can be easily viewed as disrespectful, insensitive, and offensive.

I want to take a moment to explain how and why this happened.  As you may know, the subject of the interview was the federal background check system commonly referred to as the National Instant Criminal History Background Check System (NICS) and how states such as California use the system to prevent the sale of firearms to persons prohibited from owning/possessing them.  To prepare for the interview, I brought along some NICS training materials which include the terminology we agree is offensive.  Upon responding to one of the questions, I hastily referenced these materials in an effort to formulate a accurate and complete response, without regard to the language contained therein.

As you may know, this terminology is embedded in federal law specifically Title 18 United States Code (USC), Section 922(g)(4). While this is in no way an excuse, it does offer some explanation of how the term was included in the conversation.

That being said, let me be clear in saying that I am in complete agreement the term is insensitive and disrespectful towards patients, former patients, and loved ones affected by someone who has experienced mental illness.

Once you again, you have my sincere apology and promise I will not use this term again in any public forum!

Mr. Buford, Assistant Chief
California Department of Justice
Division of Law Enforcement
Bureau of Firearms