Concealed Carry Weapons Permit Increase
By: Melanie Huonker
Updated: January 18, 2013
CARTHAGE, MO.--- Jasper County Sergeant George Fox's schedule has been busy lately.
"We're seeing a larger increase in the number of new applicants," states Sergeant George Fox, Jasper County.
Fox meets with applicants seeking concealed carry weapons permits.
"The last month or two its increased more than usual. We've been steady, but these last several days we've gotten a lot," says Fox.
Last January, the office issued 24 new concealed carry permits. They've already issued 65 this month. Next door in Lawrence County, Sheriff Brad Delay says they have also seen an increase.
"For the week, we are probably averaging, maybe, close to 90 to 100 permits," states Sheriff Brad Delay, Lawrence County.
Prior to the election, the Sheriff Delay says numbers averaged 3 to 4 a week. Just Wednesday they did well over that.
"We set a record. We were up to 18 permits in one day," says Sheriff Delay.
Sheriff Delay believes it's due to people's fear they won't be able to get concealed carry permits in the future. He says the uptick in permits is a good thing for protection.
"People won't necessarily walk up to you and assault you or mug you. If they have just a little inkling in the back of their mind that that person may be carrying a gun," states Sheriff Delay.
Jasper County Sheriff Randee Kaiser says the attention has prompted people to get their permits when they may have put it off.
"In a large part, that's due to there being so much publicity concerning firearms laws. That has reminded people that were probably already inclined to get their permits, its reminded them that they need to do that," states Sheriff Randee Kaiser, Jasper County.
As for Fox, he says his days will be filled with appointments for new and reissued permits.
"We have 83 appointments currently through the end of the month and we're already scheduling into the first week of February," says Fox.
If you have questions about applying for a concealed carry weapons permit, visit your local sheriff's website.
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