Date: Mon, 20 Mar 1995 00:43:35 -0500
From: alerts@gatekeeper.nra.org (NRA Alerts)
To: firearms-alert@shell.portal.com
Subject: INFO: Letter from Florida Commissioner in re CCW Statistics


The following letter concerning Florida's "Right to Carry Law" from
Florida's Commissioner of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement
(FDLE) was distributed on official Department letterhead to Florida
officials.

March 15, 1995

MEMORANDUM

TO:       Office of the Governor
          Office of the Attorney General
          Office of the Secretary of State

FROM:          Commissioner James T. Moore

SUBJECT:  Florida's Concealed Weapons Program

Over the past several months this department has received numerous
inquiries from media in several states regarding Florida's
Concealed Weapons Program.  Recently, the frequency of the calls
has increased as bills are introduced in the various legislative
assemblies which are considering concealed firearms laws.  The vast
majority of the media questions deal with the impact of Florida's
Concealed Weapons program on crime in the state.  It appears that
sponsors and/or proponents of the proposed bills are representing
that Florida's program is responsible for the recent downturn in
Florida's overall crime rate.

Given the continuing interest in this issue, it is likely many of
us will continue to receive calls from the media.  Accordingly,
following is a brief summary, in general terms, of this
department's responses to questions regarding Florida's experience
with concealed weapons permitting and its impact on crime.  These
responses were coordinated with the Office of the Secretary of
State.

     1.   From a law enforcement perspective, the licensing process
has not resulted in problems in the community from people arming
themselves with concealed weapons.  The strict provisions of
790.06, Florida Statutes, preclude the licensing of convicted
felons, etc., thus allowing the permitting of law abiding citizens
who do not routinely commit crimes or otherwise violate the law.

     2.   Since the program's inception October 1, 1987, through
January 31, 1995, a total of 266,710 permits have been issued. 
During that same time period, 470 permits have been revoked.  Of
that number, 242 revocations were for crimes committed by the
licensee after issuance, 19 of which involved the use of a firearm.

     3.   No formula exists which is capable of establishing a link
between the existence of Florida's Concealed Weapons Program to any
increases or decreases in crime in the state.  We will not
speculate regarding various perceptions which suggest the law is
directly tied to any upturn or downturn in crime.
=+=+=
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