ST. PAUL — The Department of Public Safety Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) today released the 2018 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 69,169 permits were applied for and that they issued 66,053 permits in 2018.
| 2018 |
66,053 |
|---|
| 2017 |
55,069 |
|---|
| 2016 |
71,156 |
|---|
| 2015 |
44,696 |
|---|
| 2014 |
41,493 |
|---|
The top five counties for five-year permits issued by sheriffs in 2018 are:
| Hennepin |
7,804 |
|---|
| Anoka |
4,895 |
|---|
| Dakota |
4,125 |
|---|
| Ramsey |
3,708 |
|---|
| Washington |
3,466 |
|---|
Sheriffs reported there were 142 permits suspended, 32 revoked and 617 denied in 2018.
Crimes committed by permit holders
Minnesota sheriffs reported that individuals with permits committed 1,828 crimes in 2018. Nearly 60 percent were DWI’s or other traffic offenses.
As of today, the total number of valid permits in Minnesota is 290,546.
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.
Minnesota sheriffs are then required under Minnesota law (Minn. Stat. §624.714, subd. 20 (b)) to report their data on gun permit applications, issuances and denials to the BCA. The BCA compiles the public information provided by Minnesota sheriffs into its annual report.
The full report is available for viewing on the BCA Website.
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.
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