Gun law stirs interest
January 20, 2004
Marietta Times
Washington County Sheriff's Office deputies are making preparations for Ohio's new concealed weapons law, which takes effect in April.
Under the new law, citizens who apply for and are granted a special permit are allowed to carry concealed handguns in Ohio.
The issue of concealed carry was an ongoing debate that took several drafts and several years before finally being signed into law earlier this month. Already, several Washington County residents have called to request permits. The will be available after April 9.
Cutler resident Jeff Wright, 39, said he is looking forward to having the ability to choose whether to carry a concealed weapon.
"Law-abiding citizens ought to have the right to carry," Wright said. "I don't believe the people who go through the training and get the permit are going to be the ones to cause any problems or abuse it."
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While some say the ability to carry concealed weapons will make them feel more secure, others aren't so sure. Marietta resident Sherry Tornes, 37, said she will feel less secure walking around after the new law takes effect.
"I worry about myself, but also about what children will get out of this," she said. "If kids see adults carrying they might want to carry, too."
According to the law, permit applicants must be at least 21 years old.
Local sheriff's offices are charged with reviewing applications and issuing permits.
Deputy Bob Sears, who has been assigned to review the new law and help prepare the sheriff's office for any changes it will be require to make, said he anticipated many from the area will apply.
"We've had a lot of calls already," he said. "I think a lot of people thought this took effect the day it passed ... It takes 90 days after it passes to go into effect. That's to give us time to review the law and make preparations."
Ohio's concealed carry law takes effect April 9. Applications and informational brochures will be available after that date at local sheriff's offices. Applications must be submitted with a fee of up to $45 and can take up to 45 days to be approved or denied. If a person is denied a written explanation will be given.
"We really don't know how many people will apply," Chief Deputy Larry Mincks said. "We are anticipating the first year we will be rather busy, though."
Michigan was one of the most recent states to allow concealed carry when it adopted its version in 2001. The Associated Press reported 71,000 residents there attended concealed carry certification programs that year. All but four states have some form of concealed carry.
"Sometimes I think this is a good idea ... Sometimes I'm not so sure," said Elbert Pennington, 81, of Stockport. "I know you have to go through training to get a permit, but even after a little bit of training I'm sure there's going to be a lot of people who don't know how to use a firearm."
An applicant must complete 12 hours of firearms training before a permit can be granted. Also, a applicant must not be a fugitive from justice, under indictment, or have been charged with a felony, a drug offense, a misdemeanor of violence or negligent assault.
An applicant must also pass a criminal background and mental competency checks and cannot be subject to a protection order for domestic violence.
Sardis resident Gary Good, 58, said he doesn't plan on applying for a permit; however, he said he respects the right of others to carry.
"I lived in Florida for a long time and that's a state that has concealed carry and I liked it," he said. "You are a lot less likely to become a victim of a crime if the criminals think you might be carrying."
Related Story:
Poll: 78 percent say they will apply to carry handgun
Sheriff’s office awaiting orders on conceal-carry law
“According to the phone calls, we’ll probably have a list a block long of people interested in getting a permit,” said Butler Co. Sheriff Harold Gabbard.
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