Handgun Permit Applications Soaring in 2012 for Hennepin County

The number of handgun carrying permits requested in early 2012 is more than 54 percent higher than the same time frame in 2011, according to the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office.

The Sheriff's Office reports receiving 1,875 applications for permits to carry through the first four months of 2012. In the same time frame in 2011, only 1,220 applications were turned in.

Since the 2003 permit law took effect, 2011 was the second busiest year for new gun permit applications on record. Renewal applications—which are required every five years—typically account for 20 percent of total applications.

Here's a detailed look at statistics from past year, courtesy of the Sheriff's Office:

• 2009: 3,138 applications received (2,578 new, 560 renewal) 3,053 permits issued 
• 2010: 2,655 applications (2,120 new, 534 renewal, 1 emergency) 2,417 permits issued
• 2011: 3,337 applications (2,753 new, 584 renewal) 3,050 permits issued
• 2012 (1/1/12-4/30/12): 1,875 applications (1,621 new, 254 renewal) 1,702 permits issued

There are currently an estimated 18,607 permit holders in Hennepin County, with a total of 21,908 permits issues since 2003. 3,301 of those applications were renewals.

Any Hennepin County residents interested in a permit to carry a handgun are required to register through the Sheriff's Office. When applicants move between counties in Minnesota, they are required to apply for a renewal at the Sheriff's Office in their current county of residence.

Why do you think handgun permit requests have increased? Tell us in comments.

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