Since the concealed carry law passed in 2004, there have been 6,551 new permits approved in Butler County.
According to Butler County Deputy Gary Hoffman, Butler County has seen a high interest from its residents in obtaining concealed carry licenses.
"Original applications are a lot busier than in 2005 and 2006," Hoffman said.
In 2008, the Butler County Sheriff's Office approved 2,988 permits, 1,597 of which were renewals.
According to Hoffman, 2008 was the first round of renewals. Permits obtained from 2004 until March 2007 were valid for three years. Since March 2007, permits can now be used for five years.
While Hoffman said he could not pinpoint a specific reason for the recent surge, he said citizen concerns that permits may become more expensive or unavailable may be to blame.
Hoffman believes politics may have some influence as well.
"I think it has something to do with the election," Hoffman said.
He said he believes rumors circulated that the Obama administration would enforce a strict gun control policy.
Hoffman also said he thinks some of the increase may be attributed to the current recession.
"Because of the economy going south, people are afraid of a rise in crime," Hoffman said.
John Farquhar, firearms instructor and owner of Mad Duck Firearms Training in West Elkton, said he has seen an increase in interest in classes that are required to obtain a concealed carry permit.
Farquhar said he believes the increase in interest can be attributed to citizens feeling that they need a quick defense.
"It only takes seconds to dial 9-1-1 and the police are minutes away, but they take too long to get there," Farquhar said.
According to Hoffman, the large number of applicants has caused the Sheriff's Office to be completely booked for appointments to obtain a permit.
Hoffman said the office usually has at least 32 appointments a day. According to Hoffman, the Sheriff's Office now requires appointments because lengthy lines of applicants overwhelmed the office.
In addition to proof of completion of a certified firearms training class, applicants for new concealed carry permits who have been residents of Ohio for five years are required to present a complete application, a small photograph of themselves taken within the last 30 days, a $55 money order or bank check and a state ID.
Hoffman added his office requires background checks for each applicant. He said the background checks include sending fingerprints to the Bureau of Criminal Investigations and checking local court records for lesser offenses.
