MOUNT VERNON — The demand for concealed handgun carry permits is up 28 percent compared to last year, according to statistics recently released by the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.
According to the quarterly data, 23,851 permits were issued statewide for the past 12 months. In Knox County, 16 permits were issued in the last four months and 90 were issued for the last 12 months.
According to the Buckeye Firearms Association, more than 1 percent of Ohio’s total population is now licensed to carry concealed handguns. This percentage climbs even higher when considering the approximate 2.7 million people under the age of 18.
According to Jim Irvine of the BFA, the numbers indicate demand is strong and increasing.
“On the heels of SB184 being signed into law by Gov. Strickland, we expect demand to stay strong throughout the remainder of 2008,” said Irvine. “Law abiding people like good laws that don’t unduly restrict them.”
Statewide, there have now been 115,702 permits issued, according to Irvine. He added that there have so far been 290 temporary emergency licenses issued since the concealed carry law went into effect four years ago.
Since a regular permit is only valid for four years, Ohio permit holders have started to begin the process of renewal. So far, according to Irvine, 2,706 Ohio residents have renewed their permits early.
In order to obtain a concealed carry permit in Knox County, a resident must pick up an application from the Knox County Sheriff’s Office. Applicants must complete a certified training program, including 10 hours of classroom and two hours of range time.
After submitting a photo, fingerprints and the completed application, the applicant is required to pay a $55 fee. The fee is $75 for applicants who have resided less than five years in Ohio. After a criminal background check, the sheriff has 45 days to issue the permit. As of April 1, the permit is valid for five years, according to the Attorney General’s Office.
There is an exception to the training requirement. If an applicant is an active or reserve member of the military, there is no need for the 12-hour class, provided the applicant received documented firearms training in service.
