Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, June 18, 1995 TAG: 9506210065
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: A-6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: SHANNON D. HARRINGTON STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: COLLINSVILLE LENGTH: Medium
So it may be no surprise that, between July 1993 and December 1994, more concealed weapon permits were issued here than anywhere else in the state - 655, according to state police.
While law enforcement officials have no concern about the number of residents who carry concealed weapons now, they do fear that, after the law changes, even more will be eligible for permits, with a chance of some weapons getting into the wrong hands.
Legislation to loosen restrictions on concealed weapon permits takes effect July 1. Henry County Sheriff Frank Cassell, a lifetime National Rifle Association member and gun enthusiast, has his reservations about that day.
"I have no objection ... for any law-abiding citizen to carry a concealed weapon. What does bother me is all these kids running around out here with weapons stuck under the seat of their car or jammed down the back of their pants," Cassell said.
Under the new law, he said, "Every one of these kids that we see out here in these parking lots - raising Cain or causing problems - over the age of 21 can conceivably have a gun stuck in his pocket. That bothers me."
Circuit Judge David Williams, who handles most concealed weapon permits, declined to discuss his view of the new law.
But Commonwealth's Attorney Robert Bushnell agreed with Cassell. Bushnell believes some counties may need the new law, but Henry County does not, because he, the sheriff, and the judge usually agree about who should be granted a permit.
"We have pretty much shared the philosophy that a law-abiding citizen in possession of a concealed weapon is not a threat to the safety of society," Bushnell said.
He also shares Cassell's concern that younger people will be able to get a permit without showing sufficient need. Such people, Bushnell said, haven't "had the chance to establish that they are a law-abiding citizen."
Cassell said that generally he is not opposed to the legislation, which Del. Virgil Goode, D-Rocky Mount, introduced. But he does have concerns, he said.
"I doubt seriously if that was presented by Goode with counties like this in mind. I can understand why he would introduce the legislation, but for us, it wasn't needed."
Although Cassell is not the final authority on whether a concealed weapon permit is granted, he is active in the process. After a Henry County resident applies for a permit, the sheriff either gives his approval or recommends that it be denied. The application then is forwarded to the commonwealth's attorney and the judge.
Before he sends the application on, Cassell meets with each applicant and goes over the application, making sure it is filled out properly, that the applicant has stated all convictions and understands what can and cannot be done with the weapon.
"Sitting down with them is not an attempt to dissuade anyone from applying or keep anyone from getting one, but to get a detailed account and explain consequences," Cassell said. "A lot of people don't understand that the permit is only good in Virginia and that they can't carry [weapons] in certain places. I want to make sure they know that."
Cassell said this also is a good time to check on any mental illnesses. "I ask them if they have ever been treated for a mental illness, and, if so, I may ask for a doctor's recommendation."
In 1994, 358 Henry County residents were granted permits, and 340 were granted in 1993. Cassell said few applicants are turned down.
"If they meet those requirements, I don't see how anyone could turn them down. To me, the law is very plain," he said.
When the law changes, Cassell said, Henry County probably will feel an effect.
"I think we'll be flooded with applications more than we are now," he said.
by CNB