The Department of Public Safety Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) today released the 2016 Permit to Carry Report, an annual report summarizing data submitted by Minnesota law enforcement agencies regarding applications made for handgun carry permits as well as data about permit holders.
Minnesota sheriffs reported to the BCA that 73,880 permits were applied for and that they issued 71,156 permits in 2016. This is the highest number of permits issued in a single year since the Minnesota legislature implemented firearms permit laws in 2003. The second highest number issued was in 2013.
| 2016 |
71,156 |
|---|
| 2015 |
44,696 |
|---|
| 2014 |
41,493 |
|---|
| 2013 |
60,471 |
|---|
| 2012 |
31,657 |
|---|
The top five counties for five-year permits issued by sheriffs in 2016 are:
| Hennepin |
8,729 |
|---|
| Anoka |
4,869 |
|---|
| Dakota |
4,705 |
|---|
| Washington |
4,355 |
|---|
| Ramsey |
4,181 |
|---|
Sheriffs reported there were 122 permits suspended, 56 revoked and 658 denied in 2016.
Crimes committed by permit holders
Minnesota law enforcement agencies reported that individuals with permits committed 1,495 crimes in 2016. More than 80 percent were DWI’s or other traffic offenses.
As of today, the total number of valid permits in Minnesota is 265,728.
About the Minnesota Permit to Carry
Minnesota’s Personal Protection Act was first enacted in 2003. Permits were first eligible for renewal in 2008. Individuals wishing to obtain a Minnesota Permit to Carry must apply for the permit at their local sheriff’s office and provide proof of approved firearms training. Sheriffs then must follow a statutorily-defined process, checking FBI, BCA and DHS records as well as their own data for any disqualifying information. Individuals denied a permit have the right to appeal the denial.
Law enforcement agencies are then required to report their data on gun permit applications, issuances and denials to the BCA. The BCA compiles the public information provided by Minnesota law enforcement agencies into its annual report.
The full report is available for viewing by going to the BCA Website at bca.dps.mn.gov, selecting Statistics/Reports and then Permit to Carry.
About the Minnesota Department Public Safety
DPS comprises 11 divisions where 2,100 employees operate programs in the areas of law enforcement, crime victim assistance, traffic safety, alcohol and gambling, emergency communications, fire safety, pipeline safety, driver licensing, vehicle registration and emergency management. DPS activity is anchored by three core principles: education, enforcement and prevention.
About the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension
The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension provides investigative and specialized law enforcement services to prevent and solve crimes in partnership with law enforcement, public safety and criminal justice agencies. Services include criminal justice training, forensic laboratory analysis, criminal histories and investigations.
