NCJ Number
104228
Date Published
1986
Length
25 pages
Annotation
In 1985-1986, a survey was conducted of California police chiefs and sheriffs to examine the issuance of permits to carry concealed weapons.
Abstract
Analysis of data indicates that counties do not have a uniform policy in their handgun permit policies. Permits are issued on the basis of 'good moral character' and 'good cause' by almost 500 permit-issuing authorities in the State. Further, permit standards often are nonexistent or unclear: the key standards for issuance are undefined and their interpretation is highly discretionary; many jurisdictions have no written policies; and few jurisdictions require training, insurance, or detailed background investigations. Finally, State statutes are themselves confusing and inconsistent. Based on these findings, legislators are urged to review the laws governing the carrying of firearms with an eye toward codifying a simple, fair, and uniform set of firearm rules. Such rules should include clearly written standards and definitions and set preconditions such as legal knowledge, firearm training, and verifiable need on the issuance of firearm permits. Appendixes provide a listing by county and population and by issuing authority of concealed weapons licenses issued in 1984, a facsimile of the survey form, and a listing of licensing authorities responding to the survey.