The citizens of Lenoir County, NC, are tired of the media-generated perception that there is more violent crime, and they’ve decided that they will not be victims.

The presence of crime is causing concealed weapons permits to rise. In the last 10 years permits have gone up 1000% in Lenoir County.

“They’re applying for a concealed weapons permit because they want to be able to protect themselves and they want to be able to protect their families.” Sheriff Chris Hill said.

In 2008, 210 people applied and in 2013 it jumped to more than 800 applicants.

“I think the general consensus is that they want to level the playing field. They don’t want to become the next victim of a violent act.” Hill said.

Aside from the perception of increased crime, Hill says politics and national events like Sandy Hook tend to play a role in gun permits.

You’ll note that Sheriff Hill talks about the perception of increased crime; while Lenoir County is one of the more violent counties in eastern North Carolina, crime is actually dropping there, as well as it is everywhere else.

There is a national trend of a decrease in violent crime.

There is a national trend of an increase in concealed carry, both in the number of citizens obtaining concealed carry permits, and an expansion in the number of places that they can legally carry. Some violent crime researchers suggest that there is a correlation between the drop in violent crime and the rise of concealed carry permits, while others insist that this is just a coincidence. I suspect that there is some sort of correlation, but I don’t think the research data is there to support that contention objectively at this time.

In any event, it’s a good thing when citizens take the personal responsibility of learning to take care of themselves, and it was instructive that the Sheriff made sure that the reporter understood that citizens carry concealed weapons are not a threat to their fellow citizens.

Among honest law enforcement officers—not politically-appointed big city police chiefs that sport uniforms better suited for banana republic dictators—there is a consensus opinion that more guns equals less crime.

Law enforcement officers know that they can’t be there to protect you and your family, and want you to survive if the bad guys ever come calling.