Do Concealed Carry Permits Serve any Purpose?
There has been a raging debate since the initiation of concealed carry permits regarding whether these permits serve any purpose.
Why Have Concealed Carry Permits?
In today’s America, there are a lot of good reasons to have a concealed carry permit. Let’s look at some of these:
- It’ Your Right
Under the Constitution of the United States as an American citizen, you have the right to bear arms. Every state permits concealed carry of firearms to some degree. Twelve of them do not even require a permit for concealed carry of legally purchased weapon. Thirty states issue concealed carry permits to those who meet the requirements of their background checks. Nine states may choose not to issue a concealed carry permit.
- Protection
We live in trying times. According to a study in Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology a sexual assault occurs in USA every 98 seconds. If someone draws a gun, more than half the time the assailant flees. Women are especially vulnerable to assaults. Thus, they seek protection of legal concealed carry.
- Family Protection
There were over 7,000 murders and almost 200,000 assaults reported in the most recent FBI Crime Statistics. If someone is threatening your family, 66% of gun owners stated this is their number one reason for concealed carry of a handgun.
- Protection of Property
FBI Crime statistics reported over 125,000 armed robberies in its most recent study. Police respond as quickly as possible but realistically, the average response time is 11 minutes. In remote areas and in some big cities, this can be over 20 minutes. With a concealed carry weapon, you have the right to defend your property.
- Prevent Car Jackings
As anti-theft technology has improved on vehicles, car thieves have increased in car jackings. A survey by National Crime Victimization found that approximately 38,000 car jackings happen in USA each year. Three of every four car jackers are armed. If you have a concealed carry weapon, you are better prepared to prevent a car jacker.
5. Safety and Security
Many feel safer just carrying a handgun. Just having it on them gives them a heightened sense of safety and security. Moreover, the training that accompanies a concealed carry permit gives weapon owners better situational awareness skills. They are more attuned to their surroundings.
- Curb Crime
It may seem ironic that increasing the number of people legally permitted to carry weapons actually curbs violence. However, the violent crime rate in USA has actually fallen significantly since 1990 even as the freedom to carry concealed weapons has increased. Pro-gun supporters will tell you this is no coincidence! Police do not as a rule support guns in the hands of private citizens but the chief of Detroit police said concealed carry weapons are a deterrent to crime. Almost all officers on his force support the concealed carry permits.
- Protect Yourself in the Workplace
The National Center for Workplace Violence has discovered that millions have experienced or feel the threat of workplace violence. Those particularly exposed are taxi drivers, police, night shift workers and those who work with violent clients.
- Build Self-Confidence
When you know you are as prepared for violence as you can be, you feel confident. You are then as in control of the situation as you can be.
- A Useful Pastime
Those who have a concealed carry weapon are encouraged to spend time with their weapon on the shooting range. Shooting ranges can be great places to socialize with family, friends and colleagues. A bonus is that you get better at using your handgun and more able to use it.
Conclusion
There are many good reasons for applying for a concealed carry permit.
