The Linn County Sheriff's Office has mailed letters to county residents who have concealed handgun licenses, asking them if they want their names withheld in case someone makes a public records request.

The letters went out Tuesday, and now "it's up to them to send them back to us," Linn County Sheriff Tim Mueller said Wednesday.

The letter, dated Nov. 17 and signed by Mueller, says:

"While I believe you obtained your concealed handgun license as a security measure and that you do not want that information disclosed with your name, address and personal information, I need to hear from you on this issue to help me defend your privacy in this matter."

The sheriff explains that "there is currently a statewide issue regarding the disclosure of the names, addresses, and other identifying information of people who have concealed handgun licenses that affects you. Essentially, several groups are asking for lists of information about all the people who hold concealed handgun licenses. This includes the media and other groups relating to sporting and hunting."

If license holders want their information to be kept confidential, they are asked to fill out a two-item form accompanying the letter and return it to the sheriff.

Since announcing, on Monday, his plan to give license holders an option to keep their names private for reasons of personal safety, Mueller said he has received only positive feedback.

"I had a woman hug me today because of that article that was in the newspaper," he said. "She said, 'Thank you for protecting my privacy.'"

Mueller said he was contacted by a Portland TV station for an interview and also got a call from the National Rifle Association. He is doing an interview with the NRA on Friday.

In Benton County, after getting a request last spring from a Portland law firm asking for copies of the permits, Sheriff Diana Simpson announced last week that no personal information on a permit would be released without a court order if the person got the permit for personal protection.

Benton residents can download the license application form from the county's website, check a box saying they got the license for reasons of personal safety and then mail it or drop it by the sheriff's office in Corvallis.