What is a “carrying concealed weapons” (CCW) permit?
A. A CCW permit allows an individual to carry a loaded, hidden handgun in public. Thirty-five states force law enforcement to issue permits to carry a concealed handgun in public to anyone who meets certain minimum legal standards. This means that law enforcement officials are forced to issue a permit to carry a handgun even if they have misgivings about the person’s ability to be responsible with it in public. This type of law is known as a “shall-issue” law because the police are told they shall issue the permit. “Shall issue” laws strip law enforcement officials of their ability to deny permits even when they have legitimate concerns about the applicant and also strips them of their judgment of how best to protect public safety in their jurisdictions. Twelve states give law enforcement discretion in issuing permits. In these states, law enforcement “may” or “may not” issue a permit and are known as “may-issue”states. Two states do not require a permit to carry concealed handguns in
Related Questions
- I already have a VA, WV, PA, NC or PA Concealed Handgun Permit; do I really need to take the 4-hour Mutli-State CCW course in order to apply for the Utah non-resident 30+ state CCW?
- I have a permit to Carry a Concealed Weapon (CCW). Where can I transport a handgun that would otherwise be prohibited?
- Does a Category I Police Officer need to take a Utah CCW course to get a Utah Concealed Firearm Permit?
