Applications for gun permits skyrocket

By Jane Beathard

Staff Writer

Applications to the Madison County Sheriff’s Office for concealed handgun permits are up 30 percent over the same period in 2012, Sheriff Jim Sabin said.

In fact, Madison County is the top county in the state, per capita, for issuance of concealed handgun permits.

Eighty percent of those applications are by out-of-county residents. Sixty-three percent come from Franklin County residents.

“It’s not easier here, but it’s more convenient,” Sabin said. “Because we boarder Franklin County, some people are reluctant to go all the way downtown there, pay to park and stand in line. It’s just easier to drive to London. The law says that you can file your applications in adjoining counties.”

As a result, the sheriff is considering keeping his office open on weekends on a limited basis to handle the crush. The sheriff said his office kept additional hours when carrying a concealed weapon first became legal in Ohio.

Sabin is the chairman of the Concealed Carry Committee for the Buckeye State Sheriff’s Association. The committee reviews all legislation and licensing regulations pertaining to concealed carry.

The application process includes a detailed background check, fingerprints, a photo and a fee. Ohio residents living in the state five or fewer years must pay $91 for a first-time application. Residents living in Ohio for more than five years pay $67. A permit renewal costs $50.

Sabin’s office keeps $32 of every new application. The money pays administrative and personnel costs associated with the process.

According to Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine’s office, the third quarter of 2012 was the busiest third quarter in the history of Ohio’s concealed-carry law. The 13,949 regular licenses surpassed even the previous record of 12,127 issued in 2004 when the law went into effect. Aside from the 13,949 regular licenses issued, Ohio’s sheriffs issued 3,447 renewals and 23 temporary permits. During the same time, 547 permits were revoked.

Published reports said more than 313,000 Ohio citizens (one in 30) are now licensed to carry handguns. A majority are older and more affluent. However, concealed-carry restrictions in many areas mean permit holders are not necessarily armed and ready to stop an attack at any given moment.