Handgun permit application

[foob]

I'm going to apply for a handgun permit (carry permit) in Indiana. I need it to transport the handgun to the shooting range, and for personal protection obviously.

I've read that the police chief in my city will deny my permit if I don't give a good reason, even though Indiana is a shall issue state. And no I'm not allowed to apply to the state police directly unless I get rejected. Anybody have a good reason that increases my chance of getting the permit?

Also there are 2 types of permits, hunting/target and personal protection. If I get a hunting/target carry permit, does that mean I cannot carry it unless I'm going hunting/target practice? Does that mean I cannot use it for personal defense? I'm just thinking it may be easier to get approved for a hunting/target carry permit than a personal protection one.

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In the case of the person getting rejected (I pulled this from the department forums), the reasons were
1. In the Chief's opinion, there is no real reason stated on the application for me to have a permit.
2. In the Chief's opinion, the crime trend in <city> does not indicate a need for a person to carry a handgun.
3. Based on the application, the Chief does not know if i have had training, therefore, he states <city> would not be safe.
4. The Chief feels he would create a serious problem if he allowed all law abiding citizens to walk the streets armed.

 

[psyopspec]

"Shall issue" means that there's a set criteria for a permit. If you meet those criteria, the sheriff can't deny you a permit. What you've described above is may issue for all intents and purposes.

 

[Jspy]

I'm not sure that you have to have any "valid" reason for obtaining a permit anymore. I know years ago you had to write a paragraph or so on why you thought you might need a permit, but since I've always just renewed mine each time since, I don't think that is the case anymore. As a matter of fact, each time you tried to renew, it was like starting from scratch, as I understand. By the way, I just received my new lifetime permit this week in the mail.

 

[El Tejon]

foob, get the "Personal Protection" permit. It is the same cost and affords one much more flexibility.

 

[ShackleMeNot]

If you can own a handgun in Indiana you can get a permit (target or carry). It's that simple. The local CLEO has no discretion to deny your application outside what is clearly stated in the law.

 

[zoom6zoom]

The magical phrase in other states is "all lawful purposes".

If you're in a shall issue state, this guy is not allowed to deny permits based on his personal whims. There is recourse if you are denied.

 

[karlsgunbunker]

The application does not ask for a reason. NONE. You don't have to state a reason. Period. This is a shall issue state and they mean it. Unless you have a criminal record they can't refuse. Get the full permit you may want to carry and it's only $10 more. There is also a lifetime permit available.

 

[Standing Wolf]

No law-abiding American citizen should ever need a "reason" to exercise his or her civil rights.

 

[El Tejon]

karl, LPD and WLPD use an older application which does ask for a reason. The "reason question" was abolished by a court decision in 1983, but the old applications still exists.

I get a phone call about once a month with questions about the "reason" on LPD's application.

Of course, this would confusion would disappear if the city attorney would get LPD to use a new application, but you know how lawyers are.

 

[foob]

Ok I filled up the application. Looks like they are using the new form and there's no need to give a reason.

I think everything will work out fine.

 

[El Tejon]

Chosnek actually followed my suggestion!!!

Will wonders never cease?

 

[orionengnr]

4. The Chief feels he would create a serious problem if he allowed all law abiding citizens to walk the streets armed.

Create a serious problem... for whom?

The crooks?

Or the Police because they would quickly become unnecessary and irrelevant?