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NEWS
More concealed weapons permits issued each year
HUNTINGTON -- More and more people are seeking permission to carry concealed weapons in Cabell County, according to an initial count from the Sheriff's Tax Department.
The department's records indicate Cabell County has submitted more approvals to the state clearinghouse each year dating back to at least 2004.
In fact, last year's tally more than doubled the amount of permits submitted to the State Police in 2004. Records show at least 329 permits were submitted in 2004; 475 permits in 2005; 546 permits in 2006 and 672 permits in 2007.
The Sheriff's Department said those records account for first-time permit holders and others renewing their five-year permit. The numbers exclude retired law enforcement officers, who are not required to pay the total fee of $90 to $100 to apply and obtain a permit.
Chief Sheriff's Deputy Jim Scheidler said he attributes the growing number of people seeking permits to the increase in crime since 2005. The county recorded nine homicides since October 2007.
"I feel that good, hard-working people are tired and fed up with what has been happening," he said. "They are pursuing that right to protect themselves."
James Smith, 29, of Barboursville does not carry his weapon all the time, but the obtained a permit just in case.
"It's nice having it there," he said. "If I want to take a long trip and I break down on the side of the road, it's hard to tell who is going to come up and act like they are going to help."
Permit holders are required to meet several qualifications. He or she cannot be convicted of a felony or domestic-related offense, the person cannot be ruled incompetent and cannot have any criminal charges pending. Authorities have discretion to use misdemeanor drug and driving under the influence convictions to disqualify someone. The applicant also must be 21 years old and attend a certified training course.
Retired Sheriff's Lt. Tom McComas taught the department's training course for many years. He noticed a steady increase, but believes the reasons are much broader than Cabell County.
"It's just a cumulative effect," he said. "Possibly (local crime) could have contributed, but so has the international and domestic terrorism threat."
Del. Kelli Sobonya, R-Cabell, agreed with Scheidler. She said a increase in crime has led to more people arming themselves. She was on a House committee this month that considered removing the permit holders' name from public view.
"I believe with the increase in drug activity, crime, home invasions, and the murder rate increasing, people want to be able to protect themselves and their families," she said.
West Virginia has entered into several reciprocity agreements, which allow West Virginia permit holders to conceal their weapons in other states. Citizens from those states also are allowed to carry concealed weapons in West Virginia.
The agreements include Kentucky, Ohio and Florida.
The State Police submits permit records to a national database, to help law enforcement be aware of an individual's permit when he or she travels to other states.
