Meck County making ‘significant progress’ on concealed carry and pistol permits, sheriff says

CHARLOTTE — The Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office said it’s making significant progress on the processing of concealed carry handgun and pistol purchase permits after a considerable backlog throughout the pandemic.

Deputies said for the first time since March 2020, the number of daily pending purchase permits is below 400.

From March 2020 to February 2021, the sheriff’s office gun permits division saw a 148 percent increase in applications for pistol purchase permits and a 76 percent increase in applications for concealed carry permits, compared to the same time period in 2019.

Sheriff Garry McFadden said the progress is a relief.

“I support the second amendment and the right to bear arms. As sheriff I also have a sworn duty to protect the people I serve,” said McFadden.

McFadden thanked staff for the overtime to help erase the backlog.

“We are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel and will continue to work to process the applications that have been submitted,” said McFadden.

Through February 2022, more than 13,000 overtime hours have been used for registration, fingerprinting, and filing.

As of Mar. 7, there were 4,942 pending applicants for concealed carry permits who have already been fingerprinted but are waiting for mental health clearances.

The sheriff’s office said turnaround time for the permits is determined solely by how quickly those facilities respond.

The entire process can take 90-120 days from the application date.

Residents can check the status of their pistol purchase and concealed handgun permits by visiting the Mecklenburg County website and clicking on the “Gun Permits/Fingerprints” tab.

(WATCH BELOW: Meck County sheriff concerned about surge in conceal-carry gun permits)

Meck County sheriff concerned about surge in conceal-carry gun permits

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