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TranslateFORT WAYNE, Ind. (www.incnow.tv) – Indiana State Police say they're seeing an influx of handgun carry permit applications, statewide.
Sgt. Ron Galaviz with the Indiana State Police (ISP) says handgun carry permit applications have gone from approximately 62,000 in 2012, to approximately 92,000 as of June 2013. Approximately 23,000 of those applications were received in January 2013, alone.
Sgt. Galaviz says there could be many reasons for the increase in gun carry applications. Perhaps it's a reaction to the Sandy Hook shooting and President Barack Obama threatening to restrict gun laws. Sgt. Galaviz also credits their new online, electronic application system, which was set up in March, and makes easier for Hoosiers to apply.
Normally, the state police department is required to approve or deny within 60 days of receiving the application, but with the influx, Sgt. Galaviz says it's now taking more than 110 days.
In 2013, ISP averaged about 5,200 handgun carry permit requests per month. Now, in 2013, that number has swelled to just over 6,500 a month causing 45,000 of the 92,000 requested to be backlogged.
"The Superintendent of the Indiana State Police and his primary staff have analyzed that—what has been causing those backlogs—and has made some appropriations to get some more personnel into that area to help alleviate that backlog,” said Sgt. Galaviz.
However, Sgt. Galaviz says of the 62,000 applications received last year, approximately 61,000 were approved. He says despite the delay, not everyone should expect to be granted a handgun carry permit. He says approval is normally based on background checks. But for those who are approved, Sgt. Galaviz heeds this advice, “Certainly familiarize yourself with whatever type of weapons system you’re utilizing. It might even behoove you to take a firearms safety course. And also learn and practice proper storage methods of the handgun you so choose to use, so this entire experience can be as safe as possible.”
Sgt. Galaviz says with the new personnel assigned to assist in the process, applicants should be informed by mid-September.
