Attorney General announces Second Quarter 2010 CHL statistics
by Jim Irvine
Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray (D) has released the concealed handgun license (CHL) statistics for the second quarter of 2010. At the end of June, we had an all time record of approximately 199,577 Ohio residents licensed to carry concealed firearms. (See chart)
We are now in our seventh year of concealed carry in Ohio and it is clear that the program is popular, successful and growing. Ohio's law became effective in April of 2004. With that initial surge, the second quarter has remained ahead of other years in terms of the average number of licenses issued. While this year's second quarter demand was lower than last year, when there was a spike following President Obama's taking office, the 14,898 regular licenses were still more than 32% higher than the average second quarter numbers.
There were 3,688 CHL's renewed and 12 temporary emergency licenses (TEL's) issued during the quarter. Combined with regular licenses, that brings the total to 18,342 licenses issued during the quarter or an average of over 282 licenses issued every work day by Ohio sheriffs. That equates to over eight licenses being issued per hour, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.
With such a popular program for their constituents, and getting their much- sought- after fee increases this year, it is puzzling that the Buckeye State Sheriff’s Association (BSSA) is opposed to the current reform bill, SB239. We welcome feedback if you know why your sheriff is opposed to your having similar protection for your family in restaurants that serve alcohol that his deputies enjoy. It seems they have forgotten that they work for you.
During this election year, more politicians are touting their pro-gun stance and seeking our endorsements for use in radio and TV commercials. Click here to see Buckeye Firearms Association political endorsements. Elections matter. If you have not yet worked on a political campaign this year, it is time to get involved.
Initial issue licenses continue to outpace renewals in total numbers, but the renewal rate is still over 70%. That illustrates that concealed carry is more than just a fad. Like seat belts and smoke detectors, it is a change in how we live our lives. Every day more people realize they need to take responsibility for their own safety and take steps that are likely to see them through the perils which are impacting others in our community on a daily basis.
License-holders, like gun owners in general, are not extremists as the anti-gun crowd claims. They are honorable citizens who want protection from real dangers. They understand that police cannot protect them from a rape or murder any more than they can prevent someone from running a red light. Responsible people wear a seat belt for protection themselves in a car accident. They carry a gun to protect from a criminal attack.
With 200,000 Ohio citizens licensed to carry handguns, anytime you are in a group of five dozen adults, odds are there is one with you. If you are with an older or more affluent group, the odds are even greater. In short, there are few public locations you can travel where there will not be a license-holder near. Unfortunately, because of the many places license-holders are still prohibited from carrying their guns, the license does not necessarily translate into having someone ready and armed to stop an attack.
In the first year of Ohio's concealed carry law, the anti-self-defense people bragged about the "small" demand for the new CHLs. They claimed that only a few fringe gun nuts wanted to carry "hidden" guns. It is now clear that those who seek to deny others the right of self-defense are themselves the radical minority.
Their cries of "blood in the streets" have never materialized. A record number of Ohioans are carrying guns. Today we hear the same tired cries about our continued efforts to "de-Taft" our concealed carry laws. The same rantings are as wrong today as they were eight years ago. While no large group of people is perfect, the CHL-holder has proven to be considerably more law-abiding than the population at large. Less than one-half of one percent of all CHL's have ever been revoked for any reason, including death or moving out of state. Concealed carry works.
It always takes time for the feelings of society to have a real change in heart and adopt new safety ideas. It was once normal for kids to ride in cars with no seat belts or even car seats. Today such behavior is criminally reckless. We rode bikes with no helmets. CPR was to be left to "the professionals."
Thousands of lives are saved annually because our society realized how quickly a life could be lost, and how a few simple changes make the difference between life and death. With the surging numbers of gun owners and concealed carry permits and licenses, the day when carrying a gun for safety is as accepted as using a seat belt seems to be a little closer at hand.
Jim Irvine is the Buckeye Firearms Association Chairman.
Further Information:
Ohio Attorney General - 2010 Q2 Concealed Carry Stats
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