Contra Costa Sheriff's Office Tackles Backlog Of Conceal Carry Permits

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors recently approved additional sergeant and specialist positions for the Office of the Sheriff to help handle a backlog of requests for concealed carry weapon — CCW — permits, the Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office announced Thursday.

Since the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in New York State Rifle and Pistol Association vs. Bruen on June 23, 2022, the sheriff's office "has been inundated by requests for CCW permits," Sheriff's Office Spokesperson Jimmy Lee said in a news release.

The ruling struck down New York’s restrictions on applicants for CCWs to show a compelling need to carry a concealed weapon in public. That meant that similar restrictions requiring applicants to demonstrate "good cause" in some states, like California, were unconstitutional.

"Prior to the Bruen decision, the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office would typically receive about 20 CCW applications each month which would be processed by one employee," Lee said. "Since the decision, the Sheriff’s Office has been receiving several hundred applications a month and now has a backlog of over 1,000 CCW applications."

Obtaining a CCW is a multi-step process that requires a detailed application, California Department of Justice fingerprints, a background check, an interview, and a training class. There is also a $160 fee once the applicant completes the training class.

In addition to new applications, the Sheriff’s Office handles the ongoing renewals for about 500 current CCW holders in the county.

"The Sheriff’s Office is now in the process of filling the new positions," Lee said. "We regret the delay and are processing applications as quickly as possible."