The Harrison County Sheriff's Office is one of the eighty eight counties in Ohio who are able to accept applications and issue Carry Concealed Permits. The process for an individual to apply for a carry concealed permit begins with the individual completing a N.R.A. or O.P.O.T.A. certified C.C.W Course. In addition to the N.R.A. and O.P.O.T.A. Course there are other certifications that meet the CCW law requirements to apply for a permit. These certifications are explained in detail in the C.C.W. handbook which are as follows; ODNR Peace Officer Training, Active Military, Reserve Military, or an individual whom was honorably discharged within the last 6 years, Retired Highway Patrol Trooper, Retired Peace Officer (Deputy Sheriff, Police Officer), Federal Law Enforcement Officer which through his/her position has aquired expierence with handguns or other firearms that meet minimum standard requirements. When you have completed one of the courses or meet one of the other requirements you can then fill out an application and turn that application in to the Sheriff's Office in the county which you reside or any Sheriff's Office adjacent to your county of residence. Along with the application a copy of the certificate verifing the completion of the course, or range records showing last qualifing date must also be submitted. When the Sheriff's Office receives an application we are required by law to do a thorough background check on all persons whom apply. Once the background check is completed and there were no disqualifing factors that arose through the process of the background check the permit will be issued. When the permit is issued the Ohio law currently states that the permit will be valid for a period of 5 years from the date of issuance. After the 5 years has expired the individual has an period of 90 days prior to expiration and 30 days after expiration for a total of 120 days to renew the license. Individuals can also file for a Temperary Emergency C.C.W. Permit. The temporary emergency permit can only be issued if the individual meets the following requirements:

1. Evidence of Imminent Danger

a. A sworn statement by the applicant that states the person has reasonable cause to fear a criminal attack upon himself or a member of his family such as would justify ;a prudent person in going armed; or

b. A written document from a government entity or public official describing facts that give the person reasonable cause to fear such a criminal attack. Such documents may include, but are not limited to, temporary protection orders, civil protection orders, a protection order of another state, a court order and any report filed with or made by a law enforcement agency or prosecutor.

2. The sworn affidavit must attest that the applicant is a legal resident of the United States, at least 21 years of age, not a fugitive from justice, is not under indictment or charged with a crime, and has not been convicted of disqualifying crimes listed in R.C. 2923.125(D)(1) and discussed under the “Application Process” section.

If the applicant has been convicted or pleaded guilty to a disqualifying offense and the court has ordered the sealing of the records of that offense, that offense(s) shall not be relevant for purposes of the sworn affidavit. If you have any questions reguarding the application process call your local Sheriff's Office and inquire through the officials there whom handle the issuance of the C.C.W permit.

The Harrison County Sheriff's Office will accept Carry Concealed Permit applications by appointment only. Please call (740)942-2197 to schedule your appointment. The fee structure is as follows:

Additional Information, applications, and resources can be found at the  http://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/ConcealedCarry    .