OHIO GUN LAW Turnout is low for permits

The county prosecutor says he'll take the firearms course and apply.
By PATRICIA MEADE
VINDICATOR CRIME REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Despite predictions of a heavy turnout state-wide, not many Ohioans have applied for a concealed-carry license.
Last Thursday, the day the law went into effect, roughly 8,000 men and women applied for a license at sheriffs' departments in 87 of Ohio's 88 counties, said Bob Cornwell, Buckeye State Sheriffs' Association executive director. The Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Department is being sued for not being ready to accept applications.
Turnout the second day was even lower than the first, with an estimated 4,000 to 5,000 applications, Cornwell said.
"It's low from what we estimated. We expected a huge onslaught," Cornwell said Monday. "I think a lot of people didn't want to wait in line."
Through Monday, Mahoning County had processed 88 applications. Included in the list is Youngstown Municipal Judge Robert P. Milich.
Appointments
Most sheriff's departments, to process the licenses efficiently, are telling applicants to schedule an appointment. The process, which includes fingerprints and a mug shot, takes roughly 10 to 20 minutes.
Those seeking to carry a gun for self-protection run the gamut of professions. Businesses that don't want gun-toting employees, visitors or customers are posting signs prohibiting firearms.
Cornwell said peace officers do not need a concealed-carry license for their off-duty time. He said they must, however, abide by the new law's restrictions, which prohibit firearms in courthouses, schools, government buildings and places that dispense liquor.
Not even off-duty police can have a gun on them in a liquor establishment, Cornwell said. Only peace officers performing their duties can be in places that serve alcohol, he said.
Cornwell said that, unless commissioned as a peace officer, law enforcement officials such as Mahoning County Prosecutor Paul J. Gains must obtain a concealed-carry license. Gains, since an attempt on his life in December 1996, has carried a firearm.
Intends to apply
Gains said Monday that he intends to take the 12-hour firearms course and apply for a concealed-carry license. He said he hasn't discussed with his assistants whether they intend to do the same.
Gains, a former Youngstown police officer, said he is not commissioned by any police agency.
The prosecutor said he believes the new law is ambiguous in many areas and will generate a lot of litigation in the coming months.
meade@vindy.com