Ottawa Co. Sheriff changes CHL application system to serve you better

May 25, 2004
Port Clinton News Herald

Sheriff's office changes CCW application policy
Appointments begin June 1

PORT CLINTON -- The Ottawa County Sheriff's Office is slightly changing the administration process for its concealed weapons applications.

Beginning Tuesday, June 1, staff members will begin scheduling appointments. This will ensure a more prompt and efficient process. In effect, the new system helps eliminate wait time and ensure the staff's ability to continue to properly respond to the applicants' needs, said Chief Deputy Bob Bratton.

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Since the application process started in April, the sheriff's office has accepted walk-ins and to date they have received 250 applications. Of that number, Sheriff Craig Emahiser has issued 134 CCW permits.

"Percentage-wise we have issued as many applications as some of the bigger sheriff's departments," said Bratton.

With that workload, comes backlog. Deputies have managed to keep up but the appointment process will help streamline the flow of citizens making application and those who are returning for final processing to receive their actual permits, Bratton added.

Recently, the county commissioners approved a sheriff's office request for $720 that will be used toward paying a reserve member who will be assisting with the CCW permit process.

The appointment system also allows deputies to have immediate contact numbers in case an emergency arises and the manpower must be shifted. "By calling the applicants, we can save them the time of making a trip for nothing," Bratton said.

Anyone wishing to submit an application for a CCW license or to schedule an appointment, can contact Deputy Rhonda St. Clair between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at 419-734-6823.