Warning: There are glaring inaccuracies in this story which, if followed, could present legal trouble for CHL-holders. Please see commentary which follows.

April 15, 2004
Dayton Daily News

Concealed-carry law triggering questions
But answers hard to come by

SHARONVILLE | For the students at the Great Oaks Police Academy, the biggest challenge won't be passing the test needed to get a concealed-carry permit, or firing a gun at the range, or passing the state-imposed background checks.

The biggest challenge: Understanding the ins and outs of a new law that's confusing even to instructors.

Thirty students — including the academy's first two females — have enrolled at Great Oaks because they're considering applying for a permit to carry a concealed gun. The three-day class ends tonight with a shooting course at a nearby range, and those who pass could get a permit within 45 days.

In the first two, classroom-based sessions, students tried to make sense of a law that in many places "isn't well defined," said Dennis Lengle, a Great Oaks concealed-carry instructor.

For example, the law says a gun in a vehicle must be locked in a glove compartment or steel box, or must be in plain sight.

But, students asked, what's "in plain sight" — especially if you're left-handed? Southpaws would holster their gun on their left side, which would be against the driver's-side door — not necessarily in plain sight to an approaching officer.

"That's a good question," Lengle said, without offering any more.

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Although originally claiming not to be prepared to fulfill their duty under the law on April 8, more counties are now accepting CHL applications, albeit, in most cases, on a grossly limited basis.

Licking County: Concealed weapon applicants still plentiful
There's been no letup in the number of people submitting applications to get a concealed carry gun permit, said Licking County Sheriff's deputies.

"There's been so many, I haven't stopped to count them," said retired Licking County Sheriff Capt. Ken Richardson.

Richland County: County licensed to pack
Despite advertising to the contrary, Brown said the department accepted about 30 applications Thursday, the first day Ohio's concealed-carry law took effect, after being advised to do so by the Buckeye State Sheriff's Association.

Wayne County: Line forms early to apply for gun permit
Even before the doors opened, several Wayne County residents lined up outside the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, hoping to be among the first to apply for a permit to carry concealed handguns. Monday was the first day residents could apply in Wayne County. The line began forming around 7:30 a.m., according to Sheriff Thomas G. Maurer.

Warren County: Appointment needed for Warren Co. gun permit
Sheriff's offices in Warren and Miami counties are taking applicants on an appointment-only basis.

Warren County is taking appointments for Tuesdays and Wednesdays and is booked ahead until the middle of May, said Del Everett, chief deputy.

"We've had a lot of calls and had people making appointments a considerable time ahead," Everett said.