Attorney General Announces Second Quarter 2006 CHL Statistics
By Linda Walker
Ohio's Attorney General Jim Petro announced the 2nd quarter statistics today for concealed handgun licenses issued during this past quarter. Ohio continues to gain at a steady pace new licensees, adding 5489 CHL's and 15 emergency licenses to the ranks.
The latest numbers confirm what pro-gun groups claimed before the law went into effect – that concealed carry works, and that concealed carry license holders (CHL’s) are among the most law-abiding groups in our society.
There still have been no “wild west shootouts” or “blood in the streets” caused by out of control license holders or “shootouts at fender-benders” or any of the other mayhem predicted by the anti-gunners. They even (incorrectly) argued that pro-gun groups didn’t want this data released. The truth is we love the data because it provides more proof that we are right.
Clermont County continues its trend of issuing more license than any other county issuing 339 in the second quarter while revoking only one. Every county issued licenses and nineteen (19) counties issued over 100 licenses in the quarter - or more than one per day, including weekends and holidays. On average, counties issued over 62 licenses, or more than one every working day during the quarter.
With 80,000 Ohio residents now licensed to carry concealed firearms, almost everyone routinely comes in contact with a licensee on a regular basis. There is no indication that those who fear being near “people carrying hidden weapons” experience any increased anxiety when near the law abiding gun owner in the grocery store, bank, pet supply store, gas station, movie theater, or just out for a walk.
On average, Ohio has issued over 5,000 licenses per quarter during the past year. The 5,504 licenses issued in the second quarter indicate that issuing has stabilized. This is expected in the third year of issuing.
Less that one percent of CHL’s have ever been suspended or revoked for any reason. Many suspended licenses are later reinstated. Some known revocations are because the licensee moved out of state or is deceased, though there are not statistics to prove how many revocations are for such benign reasons.
Some licenses have been revoked because the licensee did not understand and comply with Ohio’s onerous carry laws including portions that discriminate against women by not allowing off-body carry in a car. Buckeye continues to work with the legislature to address these issues while insisting that no new felonies are added to trap law-abiding gun owners.
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