Sheriff's offices expect rush of concealed-gun applicants
04/07/04
Maggi Martin and Rachel Dissell
Plain Dealer Reporter
Local sheriffs are bracing for a potential stampede on Thursday when Ohio's new concealed-carry law goes into effect.
"We expect an onslaught initially, but we are hoping it will die down in a few weeks," said Ashtabula County Sheriff's Chief Deputy Howard Shetler.
In Lorain County, the sheriff said he expects lines out the door.
While sheriffs are legally required to start processing the applications this week, some, like the Lake County Sheriff's Office, are asking applicants to make an appointment.
"We are aiming for controlled chaos," said Lake County Sheriff's Chief Deputy William Crosier. "We don't even have the machines to process them yet."
He said deputies from four area sheriff's offices will be trained this week.
Applications are available at most sheriff's offices or at training sites and can be downloaded at
www.ag.state.oh.us
In Cuyahoga County, sheriff's officials will not process applications until June when a new computer program is ready.
A spokeswoman for the Ohio attorney general's office said applicants can go to a neighboring sheriff's office if the office in their home county is not ready.
How and where to get a permit:
Ashtabula:
Applications processed from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. beginning Thursday and then Monday through Friday at the Ashtabula Sheriff's Office, 25 W. Jefferson St., Jefferson.
Erie:
Applications processed from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Erie County Jail, 2800 Columbus Ave., Sandusky.
Geauga:
Applications processed from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. starting Thursday and then only on Tuesdays through Fridays and from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays at the Geauga Sheriff's Office, 13281 Painesville-Ravenna Road, Chardon. Applications will be done on a first-come, first-served basis. An appointment is not necessary.
Lake:
Applications by appointment only beginning Monday. Appointments can be made by calling 440-350-5858 or 440-350-5676 but only between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. on Monday through Thursdays and on Saturdays.
No calls after 10 a.m., when deputies will begin processing applicants.
Processing will be done at the Minimum Security Facility, 2025 Blase-Nemeth Road, Painesville Township.
Lorain:
Applications processed from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Lorain Sheriff's Office, 9896 Murray Road, Elyria.
Portage:
Applications available from 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at Portage County Jail, 8240 Infirmary Road, Ravenna. Processing by appointment only. Call the Portage sheriff at 330-678-7012 for an appointment.
Summit:
Applications processed beginning Thursday at the Summit County Jail, 205 E. Croiser St., Akron. From 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday.
Medina:
The sheriff has not yet determined the procedure and is only taking appointments.
To make an appointment, call 330-725-9147, Ext. 1698, or stop by the Medina County Jail, 555 Independence Drive, Medina.
To reach these Plain Dealer reporters:
[email protected], 440-602-4782
[email protected], 800-767-2821
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