Missouri CCW holders now renewing permits.

[henry bowman]

Missouri gun owners renewing conceal carry weapon permits
Tuesday, July 3, 2007 Mail to a friend Printer Friendly Version

By Ann Pierceall

Herald-Whig Staff Writer

Hundreds of Northeast Missouri gun owners with permission to conceal their weapons are in the process of renewing their permits.

Missouri's first permits were issued in 2004, although litigation delayed them from being issued in some areas. Law enforcement officials, including those in Northeast Missouri, have since reported little effect on crime rates.

"We haven't seen any incidents connected to anyone who has a CCW (conceal carry weapon) permit, whether that be on defensive side or offensive side," said James Shinn, chief deputy for Marion County.

Shinn said any CCW permit-holder must go through training with a state-certified instructor before submitting an application. Each permit application is subject to vigorous background checks for violent behavior, mental health problems and prior criminal records.

The permits come via the county sheriff's departments. Marion County leads the region, issuing 189 permits in the last three years.

"The people who have CCW permits are good quality people," Shinn said. "The bad guys have guns out there and are committing crimes out there. I believe good citizens should be able carry guns as well and protect themselves and their property."

Shinn said one of the main concerns when the law passed was potential escalation of certain situations — a bar fight in which weapons get pulled — but nothing of that sort has been reported.

Other area sheriffs' reports are similar.

"The conceal and carry holders do their very best to abide by the law," said Lewis County Sheriff David Parrish.

He cited as an example that when an officer pulls over an individual with a CCW permit, they usually volunteer that information immediately.

Parrish said a couple of applicants were denied a permit, and one permit was revoked. He said the law has provided strong guidelines for allowing people to carry concealed weapons in a safe manner.

The law bans permit-holders from carrying firearms onto trains, buses or into public venues like courthouses, churches, sports stadiums or any property where a notice is posted. Violators face fines and possible revocation of the permit.