Wayne Co. Sheriff’s Capt: “No-guns” signs do nothing to deter criminals

The Wooster Daily Record is reporting that neither Wayne or Holmes County sheriffs have experienced problems relating to the new law.

“From time to time, an officer will have the opportunity to engage in a traffic stop with a CCW [license] holder, but we’ve had no negative consequences as a result of that, and they all have been in compliance with the CCW law at the time of the stop,” Wayne County Sheriff’s Capt. Doug Hunter told the newspaper.

The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office had issued 732 licenses by the end of 2004, and Hunter is quoted as saying they had originally expected about 1000 by year’s end.

“It seems that many people interested in getting a [license] have taken a wait and see attitiude and may obtain a [license] at a later date,” Hunter told the Daily Record.

Both Hunter and Holmes County Sheriff’s Captain Pam Akins report they have also issued licenses to a number of Stark County residents.

Hunter told the newspaper he suspects the number of businesses that have posted signs prohibiting the carrying of concealed weapons have deterred some people from applying.

"Most citizens feel, 'what's the use'" in disarming before entering a business, Hunter is quoted as saying.

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From the story:

Because most gun accidents are the result of excessive handling of a weapon, the added complication of having to disarm oneself poses a safety risk, he said. “The general theory behind carrying a firearm safely requires handling it as little as possible. Having to disarm yourself, unload, and secure your weapon in public poses a risk.”

Without related incidents, Hunter said he expects many businesses that rushed to prohibit the carrying of concealed weapons may rethink the position in the coming year.

“I don’t believe it’s had the negative impact on the community that people thought it might,” Hunter said. “There were a lot of unknowns, and the rush to post signs seems to have been a knee-jerk reaction for people who were scared CCW would lead to gun play in the streets.”

“When the CCW law went into effect last April there was a fear of the unknown. Now that nearly a year has passed, business owners have the opportunity to make decisions based on facts rather than fears,” he continued. “I feel that many businesses are now realizing that a CCW [license] holder may be the only customer who enters their business establishment who has submitted to fingerprinting, as well as a background check.”

“Criminals are predators. Predators typically prey on victims who they see as being weak and defenseless. A ‘No CCW’ sign on the door may be an indicator to a would-be robber that they will be met with little resistance,” he said. “These signs do nothing to prevent a criminal whose desire is to commit a violent crime.”

Hunter went on to tell the Daily Record that he has been pleasantly surprised by the 85 licenses issued to women “who feel concealed carrying of a handgun will contribute to their safety.”

“Even more surprising,” he told the newspaper, “is the number of women who had no interest in firearms before the law was passed, but as a result of legislation, many saw it as a way to protect themselves.”

Hunter told the newspaper he expects the demand for licenses to remain steady in 2005.