Court to review Orange County ruling on concealed weapons permit

ORANGE, Calif. (KABC) -- Getting a "carrying a concealed weapon" (CCW) permit in Orange County is now more difficult, and it's frustrating many gun owners, especially those in the middle of the permit process.

The Orange County Sheriff's Department has issued about 5,000 concealed weapon permits. Ninety percent of those were issued in the last 13 months after a federal appeals court ruled it was unconstitutional for the department to require more justification for a permit beyond self-defense.

The ruling prompted the OCSD to relax its standards. Then last week, the court decided the policy needed to go before a full panel of judges.

With that decision, the original ruling was voided, and the sheriff's department returned to its old policy. The policy calls for applicants to provide "good cause," or a reason why they need to carry a weapon that goes beyond self-defense.

"This is about adhering to the law, respecting the decision and opinions of the court," said Lt. Jeff Hallock of the Orange County Sheriff's Department.

The decision is frustrating for gun owners and those who support CCW permits. Lance E. Boland is the lead instructor at Firearms and Safety Training of Orange County, or FAST OC. The Marine veteran teaches classes on how to use the weapons, including one required to apply for a CCW.

"Same reason we have fire extinguishers outside of our buildings or people carry fire extinguishers in their vehicles," said Boland. "We hope we never have to use it, but it's there if we need it."

Carrying concealed weapons permits were in the spotlight this week when a man with a gun was spotted on UC Irvine's campus on Tuesday. The man had a CCW, but the UC system prohibits guns. The stricter standard is getting support from those who worry about gun violence.

"Safest way, you know it's the safer thing, and being responsible is the best thing," said John Sunga from Irvine.

The policy's drawing frustration from gun owners, especially the roughly 7,000 people the sheriff's department says are going through the permit process right now.

"Those who are trying to follow the law are being stifled, while the ones who we're concerned about aren't being stifled in the least bit," said Boland.

The appellate court is expected to hear the case on June 15.