No stampede to get permits for guns
Numbers are low throughout the state
Staff reporter
Just as Marion County Sheriff Lee Becker had anticipated — there has not been a rush of residents applying for permits to carry concealed weapons.
Since July 1, when residents could submit applications, Becker said there only have been 18 applications completed, returned to his office, and sent to the state.
Statewide, the numbers also are low — only 3,600 have applied with 2,600 being approved.
Permits will be issued beginning Jan. 2, 2007, by the state attorney general's office.
Prior to applying, applicants must complete an eight-hour safety training course that is taught by a state-certified instructor.
The attorney general's office then does a thorough background check of the applicants that includes a laundry list of other criteria.
"It's an awesome responsibility for individuals to carry weapons," Becker said, thus the stiff regulations. He still prefers to have trained individuals handling firearms than not.
Becker doesn't anticipate any changes for his personnel in stopping vehicles after the first of the year.
"Permit information can be on driver's licenses and would be very helpful for law enforcement but probably most will not want to do this," Becker said.
Carrying a weapon is a privilege and a right, Becker said.
"I'm more worried about those who do not have permits," he said. He added that people cause problems, not guns.
Cindy Ragland, owner of Flint Hills Firearms and Retrievers, Marion, said she has seen an increase.
"There's been a moderate increase in the sale of handguns since July," she said.
Other firearms retailers in the state report similar information which is surprising since there isn't a significant number of people applying for permits. Maybe it's a sign of the times.
With the new concealed carry law, there are concerns about loaded weapons in vehicles when collisions occur. Emergency medical personnel will have to deal with the possible presence of firearms at accident scenes.
Hillsboro Police Chief Dan Kinning doesn't anticipate major changes in his department.
"We'll use more caution," he said, with routine traffic stops and other police-related matters.
Marion Police Chief Michel Soyez agreed.
"If there is a reason, we already ask individuals during traffic stops if they have a weapon," he said. "It would be to the permit-holder's advantage to tell law enforcement up-front, right away that they have a weapon and permit."
Soyez continued that if a weapon is seen on the person during the stop, officers will take defensive majors, such as handcuffing the individual, until it can be determined that the person can lawfully carry a concealed weapon.
"People who take the safety class and obtain the permit will be forthcoming with the information," said Florence Police Chief Erik King.
He said many people he has talked to are planning to have the information included on their driver's license.
Jeff Pohlman, Peabody Police Chief, said he doesn't anticipate problems with the new law.
"The training that is required for carriers should help them to be more responsible," he said.
He continued that his officers need to be alert for all traffic stops anyway and doesn't see this law changing that.
"With the information being available on the driver's license, that will inform us of their licensing," Pohlman said.
Pohlman also is hopeful this will result in reduced assaults since some people will have a means to protect themselves.
Fingerprinting of applicants is required by the local sheriff's office. Marion County's sheriff's department does not have an automated fingerprinting system which means some fingerprints that are forwarded on to the state with the application are rejected.
When this occurs, the applicant has to return to the sheriff's office and be re-fingerprinted. Becker said he is seeking a grant to purchase an automated system for this purpose and day-to-day use.
If the sheriff has a concern about an individual obtaining a permit, that concern can be expressed to the state. So far, Becker has not sent any "red flags" to the state regarding local applicants.
Criteria for the license
The attorney general can issue a license to residents who meet the following conditions:
— A resident of the county where application is made and Kansas resident for six months or longer;
— 21 years of age or older;
— Does not suffer from a physical infirmity which prevents the safe handling of a weapon;
— Has never been convicted of a felony or placed on diversion in this or any other jurisdiction;
— Has not been a mentally ill person or involuntary patient, committed for abuse of a controlled substance, committed for alcohol abuse, or convicted of domestic abuse in the past five years;
— Desires a legal means to carry a concealed weapon for lawful self-defense;
— Satisfactorily completed a weapons safety and training course approved by the attorney general's office;
— Has not been adjudged a disabled person;
— Has not been dishonorably discharged from military service;
— Is a U.S. citizen;
— Is not subject to a restraining order issued under the protection from abuse act; and
— Is not in contempt of court in a child support proceeding.
How to apply
The sheriff collects an application fee of $150. The applicant will be fingerprinted with the prints forwarded to the attorney general's office for a criminal history records check.
The sheriff also will forward a copy of the application and $110 of the original license fee, or $50 for renewal, to the state office. All funds retained by the sheriff's department will be deposited in the county's general fund and used for the sheriff's office.
Within 180 days, the license will be issued or denied.
No guns allowed
Concealed weapons are not allowed in the following places:
— Police, sheriff, or highway patrol station;
— Detention facility, prison, or jail;
— Courthouse;
— Courtroom;
— Polling place on the day an election is held;
— Meeting of the governing body of a county, city, or other political or taxing subdivision of the state;
— State fairgrounds;
— State office building;
— Athletic event not related to or involving firearms;
— Professional athletic event;
— Portion of a drinking establishment;
— Elementary or secondary school building or structure used for student instruction or attendance;
— Community college, college, or university facility;
— Place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal or state law;
— Child exchange and visitation center;
— Community mental health center;
— City hall;
— Public library;
— Day-care home or group day-care home; and
— Church or temple.
