"Constant flow" of CHL applicants in Summit Co.

July 9, 2004
Akron Beacon-Journal

Summit lets 973 carry guns

There are nearly 1,000 more people packing concealed weapons in Summit County today than there were just three months ago.

Since April 7, when Ohio became the 46th state to allow law-abiding citizens to carry weapons, the Summit County Sheriff's Office has issued 973 concealed-weapons permits. An additional 97 permit applications still are being processed.

Eighteen permit applications have been denied, said Sheriff Drew Alexander.

Christine Croce, administrative director and chief counsel for the department, said there has been a "constant flow'' of applicants.

Click on the "Read More..." link below for more.

The permit process takes about six weeks. The expectation by the sheriff's office is that the number of permit applications will continue to increase as more people become familiar with Ohio's new concealed-weapon law.

The Summit Sheriff's Office accepts applications from walk-ins from noon to 5:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Permits are issued on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Those who apply for concealed-weapon permits must be at least 21 years old. People convicted of drug or violence related crimes aren't eligible.

Applicants have to pay a fee, undergo criminal background checks and take 12 hours of firearms training.

Firearms can't be carried in police stations, school zones, liquor stores, courthouses, college campuses, airplanes, day-care centers or government-owned buildings.

Businesses can post signs to prohibit people from bringing guns onto their premises.

Residents interested in applying for concealed-weapon permits should contact a county sheriff's office to find out about applications, times and paperwork. In the Akron-Canton area, those offices are:

• Summit County: 330-643-2181, www.co.summit.oh.us/sheriff.

• Stark County: 330-430-3692, www.sheriff.co.stark.oh.us.

• Portage County: 330-296-5100 or 330-297-3890.

• Medina County: 330-725-0028, www.medinasheriff.com.

• Wayne County: 330-287-5750, www.waynecountysheriff.com.

For more information on the law, go to the Ohio attorney general's Web site, www.ag.state.oh.us, and click on "Ohio's Concealed Carry Law.''

NOTE: The Beacon Journal was incorrect in listing "liquor stores" as a place where concealed carry is illegal.