Objectives. We explored differences in criminal convictions between holders
and non holders of a concealed handgun license (CHL) in Texas.
Methods. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) provides annual data
on criminal convictions of holders and non holders of CHLs. We used 2001 to
2009 DPS data to investigate the differences in the distribution of convictions for
these 2 groups across 9 types of criminal offenses. We calculated z scores for the
differences in the types of crimes for which CHL holders and non holders were
convicted.
Results. CHL holders were much less likely than non licensees to be convicted
of crimes. Most nonholder convictions involved higher-prevalence crimes
(burglary, robbery, or simple assault). CHL holders’ convictions were more likely
to involve lower-prevalence crimes, such as sexual offenses, gun offenses, or
offenses involving a death.
Conclusions. Our results imply that expanding the settings in which concealed
carry is permitted may increase the risk of specific types of crimes, some quite
serious in those settings. These increased risks may be relatively small.
Nonetheless, policymakers should consider these risks when contemplating
reducing the scope of gun-free zones.
Year:
2013
Journal:
American Journal of Public Health