Letter to the Editor: Statistics don’t support Highway Patrol’s fear of CCW

An excellent letter to the editor by OFCC supporter Brendan Walker has been published in the Canton Repository, responding to claims made by Col. Paul D. McClellan, superintendent of the Ohio Highway Patrol, that law-abiding citizens carrying concealed firearms for self-defense in their personal vehicle present an officer safety issue.

"In an e-mail dated May 5, Col. Paul D. McClellan, superintendent of the Ohio Highway Patrol, stated: “ … There is significant statistical evidence that carrying loaded firearms in motor vehicles is a catalyst for the loss of life; for both law enforcement and civilians.”

I have asked for specific sources where this “statistical evidence” is documented. No response so far, not that I expect one because this “statistical evidence” does not exist.

The facts show that the patrol’s fear is unfounded. Forty-three states issue licenses to private citizens to carry concealed firearms, including loaded fire-arms in motor vehicles. Some 3.5 million such licenses are in force. To date, no peace officer in any state has ever been assaulted during a traffic stop by any licensee using a legally carried concealed firearm.

The Ohio Highway Patrol must believe we Ohioans are a different, more violent breed of human than residents of the 43 states that have concealed-carry licensing."

Click here to read the entire letter in the Canton Repository.