Web posted
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Less conceal-carry aps than expected
By CHRIS ROBINETTE
Traveler Correspondent
The Personal and Family Protection Act stirred up much debate before it was passed in 2006. Much of its supporters wanted the right to carry a weapon to protect themselves from criminals.
Since it was passed, however, state officials have seen less applications from Kansas residents than what was originally expected.
Over 11,000 Kansas residents have applied for concealed-carry licenses since July of 2006. Of those, 231 belong to Cowley County residents with 214 approved since Jan. 8, 2008.
The process for applying isn't terribly complicated, the first step is to sign up for an eight-hour training course that teaches the fundamentals of the laws surrounding concealed-carry and firearms safety following a guideline provided by the state.
"(We) basically teach the law as it applies to concealed carry," says Harold Pullins, a certified instructor for concealed-carry courses from Cowley County.
The course has two sections; a classroom portion followed by a testing portion. In the class, laws regarding concealed-carry weaponry are discussed; from laws regarding places where a firearm can or cannot be carried, to laws that deal with the rights involved as to when to use concealed carry.
Following the classroom course, applicants head to the firing range where they practice the basics of how to safely handle and shoot a firearm.
After sufficient practice, applicants must qualify, or prove they can defend themselves safely, by the use of a firearm.
At this stage, they are required to hit at least 18 of 25 targets at ranges from up to 10 yards. The type of firearm they qualify on depends on the course; the course provides the firearm, though some courses do allow applicants to use their own weapon.
Applicants are required to pass both the qualifying and the written tests to receive certification, which must be presented to the local sheriff's department when applying for a concealed-carry license. Kansas gives some leeway to the instructors in regards to who receives the certification.
"We're not obligated to issue the certification," says Pullins. This leeway allows the instructors to act on red flags they might see in potential applicants.
Following graduation of the course, applicants submit their applications along with a fee of $150 to the local sheriff's office, which will handle most of the processing regarding fingerprinting and then submit the application to the state. The state will then run background checks and the applicant will receive the licenses within six to eight weeks.
It is a lengthy process that deters some people, still 231 Cowley residents decided to apply.
Bob Matthews, a certified instructor, strongly believes that concealed-carry status has its merits.
"The Constitution of the United States gives the person the right to protect themselves and carry a weapon," he said. There have been worries that people with concealed carry permits might use their concealed-carry privilege as a springboard for attacking other citizens. Matthews notes this saying, "It's the person behind the gun who does the killing. Someone behind the gun has to pull the trigger."
According to Matthews, most of his students have said they would use their firearms for the protection of themselves and others.
"If they're in a situation, they would come to someone else's rescue if they need to," he said.
Greg Copeland, owner of CC Pistolsmithing, said, "I've got mixed feelings on it; only to the degree that there are too many scenarios that one can find oneself in to . . . have a need for the reason they're getting a concealed carry."
I firmly believe in the right for citizens to protect themselves, he said. It's an issue I don't think the government needs to control.
"You shouldn't have to have the state or federal government OK the ability to protect yourself," he said. "Those that choose to will defend themselves regardless."
While Copeland doesn't see life in Ark City as inherently dangerous, he said that if he finds himself traveling to an area where the criminal threat is high, he will carry a concealed weapon.
The Ark City Police Department hasn't taken sides on the issue. "We're here to support and enforce state laws," said Cpt. Tom Scott.
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