Conceal Carry Permits Increase Across Colorado
DENVER (CBS4)- Gun clubs say they typically see a spike in people taking classes for concealed weapons permits along with learning about firearm right after a big event happens, like a mass shooting.
But now more people are wanting to protect themselves no matter what, according to the number of people allying for those permits.
Greg Francisco of Douglas County says got his conceal and carry permit about a year ago. His says his handgun goes everywhere he can legally take it.
"I feel it's a moral obligation to protect myself and my family," he says. "Cops are minutes away when seconds count."
The owners of Bristolcone Shooting and Gun Club in Lakewood say people are more motivated than ever to learn how to protect themselves.
Jacquelyn Clark has seen a big increase in people taking her classes for conceal and carry permits along with personal and home defense. Her clients run the gamut from empty nesters to single women.
"We're getting a lot of single women living alone for the first time who want the skills and knowledge to protect themselves," says Clark.
On Facebook, Larimer County Sheriff Justin Smith posted the number of active concealed weapons permits in his county showing a dramatic increase in 17 years.
He wrote: Have you ever wondered how many active concealed weapons permits we have in Larimer County and how those numbers have changed over the years?
Below list the number of active permits starting in 1999, when Sheriff Alderden took office and began to issue permits again. The numbers represent year end totals, with the 2016 number taken from September 1 of this year.
1999: 527
2000: 672
2001: 1096
2002: 2,091
2003: 2,231
2004: 2,402
2005: 2,581
2006: 2,995
2007: 2,713
2008: 3,519
2009: 4,829
2010: 5,979
2011: 6,645
2012: 7,507
2013: 10,102
2014: 11,027
2015: 12,204
*2016:13,939 *(Year To Date- September 1)
Of these totals, last year, we denied 19 applicants and suspended or revoked 22 current permit holders. In other words, less than two tenths of one percent of permit holders had their permit suspended or revoked during the year.
I thought many of you might find these numbers interesting.
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation shows similar trends. Through July of 2016, they report 40,232 CCW applications. Halfway through this year those permits surpassed the total for 2015 at 37,400.
Gun owners like Francisco say, chances are he'll never have to draw his weapon but says having it provides peace of mind.
"It's better to have a gun and not need it then to need it and not have it," says Francisco.
Jennifer Brice is a reporter with CBS4 focusing on crime and courts. Follow her on Facebook or on Twitter @CBS4Jenn.
