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Could Chicago’s self-proclaimed “lower crime rate” in 2014 be related to the state now issuing concealed carry permits? The Illinois State Rifle Association believes there is a correlation.

Richard Pearson, executive director of the Illinois State Rifle Association observed,

“It isn’t any coincidence crime rates started to go down when concealed carry was permitted. Just the idea that the criminals don’t know who’s armed and who isn’t has a deterrence effect. The police department hasn’t changed a single tactic — they haven’t announced a shift in policy or of course — and yet you have these incredible numbers.”

The group estimates that by the end of 2014, over 100,000 permits will have been issued in the state. The Chicago Police Department sees it differently.

But the Chicago Police Department is hesitant to attribute the decrease in crime to the increase in concealed carry permits. Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy claims it has to do with better police work and training, “intelligent policing strategies,” and the confiscation by his department of more than 1,300 illegal guns in the first three months of the year.

However, the Crime Prevention Research Center has shown there is a correlation between an increase in concealed carry permits and a reduction in crime.

From the Illinois State Rifle Association:

crimeprevention

Illinois was the last of all 50 states to permit concealed weapons.

One Response

  1. Jack

    Well – of course more concealed carry permits in high crime areas will reduce crime. That is intuitive and obvious. No need to explain why an armed person is less of a target.

    The police saying it is better training are probably correct – but – the two things are not mutually exclusive. Armed citizens and better trained police both work.

    Wake up – both are correct.

    Reply

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