Number of Handgun Permits Issued in 2013 Up Sharply in Lacey

More Lacey residents applied for handgun permits in 2013 than any other year in recent history, statistics showed.

The number of handgun permits issued by the Lacey Township Police Department in 2013 was up a staggering 71 percent over 2012, according to data released Thursday by Chief David A. Paprota.

The department processed and issued 867 handgun permits in 2013, up from 506 handgun permits processed and issued in 2012.

The rising number of permits issued has been a trend since 2005, data provided by Paprota shows. In 2005, there were 191 permits issued, with the number hovering around 200 for several years. In 2009, the number of permits issued jumped to 354, dropped slightly to 289 in 2010 and rose to 398 in 2011. Then, in 2012, there was a marked rise to 506.

But 2013 was the department's busiest year yet, with 867 permits issued.

The Lacey numbers are following a statewide trend, despite New Jersey's gun laws that are among the more restrictive in the nation. A Wall Street Journal article published in September looked at the numbers through June 2013 and found that permits were up 67 percent statewide, mirroring the ultimate figures in Lacey.

Gerry Morey, a firearms dealer in Bayville, told the Journal that business was "absolutely ridiculous" and most sales were to hunters and people who wished to own guns for home protection.

While firearms are permitted in homes in New Jersey, few qualify for a permit to carry a firearm under state laws.

"The handgun permits are issued based on strict criteria established under state law," said Paprota. "Each application requires a comprehensive background check which is handled by the Lacey Township Detective Bureau and processing by Records Bureau personnel. Ultimately, each applicant's background investigation report is reviewed by the Chief of Police and signed for issuance to the resident."

Though there are sometimes delays in the permitting process, Paprota said they are often caused by circumstances out of the control of the local police department.

"Police department personnel diligently worked through the significant increase in applications in 2013," he said.