The Enid News and Eagle, Enid, OK

Local news

Discussion

February 14, 2013

County processing large number of conceal-carry permit applications

By Cass Rains, Staff Writer Enid News and Eagle

ENID, Okla. — In an effort to keep up with applications for concealed-carry permits, Garfield County Sheriff’s Office is reminding applicants to bring all required paperwork.

“When you have completed the concealed/open carry class, and are ready to obtain fingerprints and submit your packet, please make sure you call to schedule an appointment for fingerprinting,” said Undersheriff Jon Marshall.

To schedule an appointment, call (580) 548-2479 and ask for Tammy.

Those arriving for an appointment need to bring their completed OSBI packet, two passport photos, the required form of payment for OSBI processing/application fees (either money order or credit card), form of payment for Garfield County Sheriff’s Office fingerprinting fee ($25 in the form of a money order) and original certificate showing completion of concealed/open carry class.

“Without all of the listed items, we cannot process your fingerprinting and will have to reschedule your appointment,” Marshall said. “We are doing our very best to complete fingerprinting requests in a timely manner, and it will assist our staff greatly to have the appropriate forms and paperwork at the time of the appointment.”

Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation officials said the agency received a record number of initial gun license applications last month.

OSBI says it has seen “an enormous influx” of applications for the past several months.

In January, the agency received 4,970 initial applications — the highest number since Oklahoma began licensing guns in January 1996.

In comparison, the agency received 1,861 initial applications in January 2012 and 1,515 applications in January 2011.

OSBI wouldn’t speculate on a reason for the increase, saying the gun licensing process is lengthy and therefore difficult to pinpoint to specific events, such as the deadly school shooting in Newtown, Conn.

Garfield County Sheriff Jerry Niles said his office has been processing a large number of applications.



The Associated Press contributed to this story.

Text Only
Local news