There was a sharp increase in applications for pistol permits in Simsbury at the start of the new year.
In December 2012 there was a 50 percent increase in applications over December 2011, according to Simsbury Police Department records.
The number of pistol permit applications received by police this month increased by 300 percent over the number received in January 2012.
"We have several more scheduled, so that’s a big increase for the month of January," Captain Nicholas Boulter said.
There are currently more than 25 applications pending with Simsbury police this month. The exact number is unkown because the application process takes time to complete.
In 2011 the department issued 76 pistol permits and in 2012 it issued 111 permits.
"Based on December and January applications we are expecting this year's numbers to exceed the 2012 numbers," Boulter said.
YearJanuary
Applications
Applications Total Permits
Issued 2011 6 12 76 2012 6 18 111 2013 25+ N/A N/A
To obtain a pistol permit in Simsbury, applicants must first obtain a temporary permit with the town before receiving a state permit. Applicants must submit a four-page application and schedule an appointment for fingerprinting. Applicants must pay $206.50 for fingerprinting, background check, temporary permit, and state permit fees.
For more information about obtaining a pistol permit, visit the Simsbury Police Department website and click on "Obtaining a Pistol Permit" under the Public Information and Records section.
