Pennsylvania: More Concealed Carry Permits Than Average

The number of Pennsylvanians licensed to carry a concealed weapon is close to 1 in 14, considerably above the national figure of 1 in 50.

2011-09-01

September 01, 2011 (Press-News.org) Few topics are as likely to provoke a heated response as concealed carry laws and their effect on crime. Proponents of the laws claim more guns mean less crime. In Pennsylvania, they certainly mean more guns.

Concealed Carry

Since the 1980s, the numbers of citizens licensed to carry a concealed gun has grown from less than a million to 6 million, The Daily Item reported recently. The story notes nearly 1 in 11 people in Synder County has a permit to carry a concealed weapon.

Pennsylvania Above Average

They point out that while 1 of 50 Americans has a license to carry a concealed weapon, in Pennsylvania that number is close to 1 in 14.

In addition, Pennsylvania is an open carry state, which means if the weapon is in plain view; the owner doesn't even need a license.

While concealed permits are relatively easy to obtain, possession of a gun is not without risk. 18 Pa.C.S.A. ? 6105, contains a long list of circumstances that makes it a felony to possess a firearm.

In Pennsylvania, if you have prior mental health commitment, juvenile conviction, or a Protection from Abuse order, it may be a felony to possess a gun. Before you attempt to purchase a gun, you should carefully review the application and the fine print.

A criminal history background check is performed, looking for first-degree misdemeanors and felonies. Juvenile and mental health records are also reviewed and the sheriff is allowed to further investigate and reject for a legitimate reason.

In reality, only 1 percent are rejected. As one sheriff is quoted as saying, "The Second Amendment is pretty strong. You don't mess with someone's guns."

Recent Setback For Gun Rights

Pennsylvania almost become the 26th state to adopt an expanded definition of the "Castle Doctrine," which would allow citizens to use deadly force to protect oneself, family and others while in their home or an occupied vehicle. Gov. Ed Rendell vetoed that bill last year.

Pennsylvania Safer?

For instance, in Pennsylvania, in 2009, according to the Uniform Crime Report (UCP) Program by Pennsylvania law enforcement agencies in 2009, the crime index offenses decreased 5.4 percent from 2008.

Crime Index offenses are considered to be both the most serious and most likely to be reported, and are used nationally as the standard base for comparisons. They include, murder and non-negligent manslaughter, and other violent crimes.

The question is what degree, if any, can the decrease be attributed to Pennsylvania having more guns? The numbers remain inconclusive, meaning the debate will continue.

Article provided by The Law Offices of David S. Shrager
Visit us at www.shragerlawfirm.com

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