Gun Policy That Misfires

The United States would be better off with fewer guns on the street, not more. Yet Orange County’s sheriff-elect has set forth a policy reminiscent of the Old West, with urban gunslingers legally walking the streets.

Brad Gates, the longtime Orange County sheriff, sensibly restricted the number of concealed weapons permits he issued. Last year the number was 131, or about 2.44 per 100,000 residents.

Los Angeles County’s ratio was a bit higher, and San Diego County’s was much greater, 1,500 permits, or about 55 per 100,000 residents. Unfortunately, it’s the San Diego ratio that Orange County Sheriff-elect Mike Carona says sounds about right.

Carona says Gates, who chose not to run for reelection, acted arbitrarily in issuing permits. But that’s no argument for issuing more; it’s an argument for greater clarity in explaining why permits will be denied.

City police chiefs in Orange County are upset with Carona’s proposal. Some may take back the authority to let residents carry concealed weapons, which they had ceded to Gates. If they reject an applicant, an appeal to Carona will be possible, but the police hope he will heed their reasons for rejection.

The sheriff-elect cites a study by John Lott of the University of Chicago that concludes letting people have concealed weapons permits saves lives and reduces the threat of violent crime to a permit bearer. But others argue that the study is flawed.

Although crime rates are down, the fear of crime remains high, and new laws have increased prison sentences for using a gun, which is proper. Authorizing more concealed firearms is bound to increase injuries and deaths--either through accidents or deliberate shootings that occur in a moment of passion. The Carona policy is unacceptable.