Concealed-weapon permit applications flood O.C. Sheriff's Department

O.C. Register ^ | Feb 25, 2014 | Salvador Hernandez

[bkopto]

People are applying for concealed-weapon permits in droves in Orange County, after a federal court ruled Californians don’t have to justify their need for the permit.

In less than two weeks, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department has received more than 500 applications for concealed-weapon permits – about the same number of applications received in all of 2013.

“They’ve been absolutely inundated,” said Lt. Jeff Hallock about the personnel assigned to process the applications.

The deluge of applications came after a Feb. 13 federal appeals court ruling that said applicants wanting a concealed-weapon permit in California no longer have to justify their need for one.

The decision was praised by gun-rights groups as a landmark decision, and sheriff’s officials said the applications quickly came in.

However, the large number of applications has not meant an immediate increase in approvals, officials said.

Because of the surge of applications, known as CCWs, for Carry Concealed Weapon, the process for approval has been significantly slowed down.

Before the court decision, applications were typically approved in less than a month, Hallock said.

Those applying for a CCW today can expect to wait until August or September until the application is processed, he said.

[Jumper]

Thank you for the perfect explanation. I will also mention that when I visit Ohio, I cannot purchase a weapon at a Gun Show without a valid in-state ID, e.g., resident of Ohio. This is a pain because guns are so cheap in Ohio compared to around Fort Bragg which is flush with GI Ca$h.

[William Tell]

I don't live in Orange County, but filed my paperwork this last Monday.

We can't know exactly what WILL happen but I do know what SHOULD happen. If things go as they should, most counties in Kalifornia will be similarly flooded with applications. Delays in processing may well be the subject of a new suit.

The Sheriff should process applications "first-come-first-served". I was trying to insure that I was at the beginning of what may be a very long line.

The Kalifornia law permits great discretion on the part of the Sheriff in applying requirements. He now cannot insist on a "good cause" beyond self-defense. It shouldn't take a rocket scientist to determine, now that the right is an individual fundamental right, that the Sheriff is entirely UNJUSTIFIED in infringing the right of any applicant by choosing to apply the onerous provisions of Kalifornia law. He doesn't have to do it, so he shouldn't do it. And he shouldn't wait until a court tells him that he can't do it.

If I refuse to supply letters of reference attesting to my "good moral character" is the Sheriff justified in refusing to approve my permit? No.

If I refuse to have my personal physician attest to my capabilities, is the Sheriff justified in refusing me? No.

If I refuse to subject myself to a psychologist's examination, is he justified in refusing me? No.

If I, a military veteran who holds concealed carry permits from four other states, refuse to undergo the expensive and time-consuming training, is he justified in refusing me? No.

And finally, is the Sheriff justified in making me PAY for the above infringements, perhaps totally $500 or more? Absolutely not.

We live in interesting times.

[William Tell]

Jumper said: "This is a pain because guns are so cheap in Ohio compared to around Fort Bragg which is flush with GI Ca$h."

You can always arrange to have the gun shipped to an FFL in your home state. The fees and shipping eat up some of the savings but perhaps not all.