Does Race or Gender Influence Concealed Carry Permit Applications?

 Posted on October 04, 2017 in Uncategorized

Earlier this year, Illinois officials announced that the total number of annual applications for concealed carry permits were on the decline. However, when it comes to legally owning and carrying guns, it turns out that certain segments of the population have maintained a steady interest in self defense and exercising their 2nd Amendment rights.

Citizen Niches Maintain Steady Interest

A recent report that provided a breakdown of annual applications for concealed carry permits in Illinois revealed that, despite decreases in license applications in other groups, the number of African-American women receiving permits has risen steadily since 2014. The numbers, derived primarily from Cook County, Illinois, show the following:

• 800 women of African-American descent received a concealed carry permit in 2014. That number has risen to 1,400 so far in 2017, and more than 4,000 permits were issued to that group in Cook County since the law was first adopted.
• Although other racial and gender segments still account for more applications overall, the African-American female group is the one that has shown steady increase year after year.
• A growing concern for personal safety in dangerous neighborhoods is a main factor driving the numbers.

National Numbers Show Similar Trend

Across the entire United States, concealed carry permits are on the rise for the fourth consecutive year. Records indicate that more than 16 million people possess concealed carry permits. An analysis by the Crime Prevention Research Center found that:

• African-Americans and women account for some of the largest increases.
• Overall, about six percent of the American population can legally carry a concealed handgun.
• That number rises to nearly eight percent outside states with more restrictive laws, such as New York and California.
• In states that record the gender of the permit carrier, women account for 36 percent of all permit holders.
• Eight states reporting data between 2012 and 2016 reported a 326 percent faster rise in permits among women than men.
• Records from states that record the race of a concealed carry applicants showed that the number of African-American permit holders grew 30 percent faster than whites between 2012 and 2016.

Find a Will County Gun and Weapons Lawyer Who Can Help You

If you need help navigating concealed carry laws in Illinois or have been charged with a weapons violation, it is a good idea to work with a lawyer who understands gun licensing and gun laws in this state. Retain the services of an experienced Joliet gun and weapons attorney to ensure your rights are protected. The Law Offices of Jack L. Zaremba, P.C. will work tirelessly to present a defense rooted in the law and applicable to the charges levied against you. Protecting your rights and ensuring your freedom is a top priority.