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With Concealed Carry On the Rise Is Violent Crime Also Rising?
Violent Crime Rates are Not Rising
Concealed carry permit holders are on the rise in the United States, with millions of law-abiding citizens choosing to arm themselves for self-defense. While some may argue that more guns in public spaces will only lead to more violence a study by the Crime Prevention Research Center suggests otherwise. Are guns the cause of Chicago’s crime or has their local leadership failed them horribly?
According to the study, as the number of concealed carry permits has increased in recent years and that the overall violent crime rate has actually decreased. This raises an important question: could concealed carry be a viable solution to reducing crime in America? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the study’s findings and explore the potential benefits and drawbacks of concealed carry as a means of deterring violent crime.
The Study Findings
Between 2007 and 2013, murder rates have fallen from 5.6 to 4.4 per 100,000 – a 22 per cent drop in the murder rate, at the same time that the percentage of the adult population with permits soared by 130 percent. Overall violent crime also fell by the same percentage, 22 per cent over that period of time. More states have enacted Constitutional concealed carry laws so that permits are not necessary. This may make it harder to determine how many actually conceal carry but it is likely much more than what is reported.
The Impact of Concealed Carry
With firearm sales skyrocketing and more civilians obtaining concealed carry permits (or legally carrying without a permit) it’s natural to assume that this would lead to an increase in violent crime. However, this is not the case. If Chicago were representative of every city in America there should be the per capita equivalent of 82 shootings in every city in America over the Fourth of July weekend. But there isn’t. Only in Chicago where strict anti-gun laws are in effect do we see this level of violence.
The Argument Against Gun Control
It’s often argued that guns are coming from cities with lax gun laws but this is not entirely accurate. If this argument were true, we would see similar levels of violence in surrounding cities and states but we don’t. It’s only in cities like Chicago, with strict gun control laws, that we see this level of violence. There are reports that areas with legal concealed carry laws have more firearm deaths. It doesn’t say if those were armed robbers or perpetrators of aggravated assaults. It doesn’t say if they were abusive spouses who had restraining orders against them who were shot while attacking their ex wives.
A Solution for Chicago
Perhaps this study provides an option for Chicago to diminish violent crime. It may be time to make it easier for law-abiding citizens to purchase and carry handguns. The current approach of strict gun control laws clearly isn’t working so why not try something new? Why do we expect a better result when we do the same thing? The only thing changing is how the statistics affect the outcome of anti gun journalists and activists.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Crime Prevention Research Center’s study provides some compelling evidence for the benefits of concealed carry permit holders. As the number of concealed carry permit holders continues to rise it’s important to remember that this is not a cause for concern. Instead, it’s an opportunity to explore new approaches to reducing violent crime.
FAQs
1. Does this study suggest that everyone should carry a gun?
No, the study simply suggests that allowing law-abiding citizens to carry concealed handguns may help reduce violent crime.
2. Why do some people believe that strict gun control laws are the solution to gun violence?
Some people believe that strict gun control laws will prevent criminals from obtaining firearms, thereby reducing gun violence.
3. Is Chicago the only city with strict gun control laws?
No, there are other cities in the US with strict gun control laws, but Chicago is often used as an example due to its high levels of violent crime.
4. How does this study impact women who own firearms for self-defense?
The study suggests that allowing more women to obtain concealed carry permits may help reduce violent crime overall.
5. What other approaches can we take to reduce violent crime?
There are many approaches to reducing violent crime, including community policing, mental health support, and reducing poverty and income inequality.
