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SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office recently announced that the department, under the leadership of Sheriff Kelly Martinez, has been working to improve the efficiency and accessibility of its Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) permit application process. In doing so, authorities said significant changes have been implemented to reduce wait times and enhance service for applicants while maintaining the integrity of the process.
Sheriff Martinez is responsible for issuing CCW permits across the entire county, not just in areas under the sheriff’s jurisdiction. According to her office, she has prioritized making the application process faster and more user-friendly. Through a series of innovative changes, the time it takes to process a CCW permit application has been reduced from 18 months to approximately eight months.
Changes and efforts to improve process
Streamlined application process
As explained by the sheriff’s office, the CCW application process has been streamlined to increase efficiency. Applicants now complete their application online, select an appointment date, and pay the initial fee upfront.
After the appointment, the information is sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) to check the applicant’s criminal history, date of violation, and if complete details regarding a final disposition have been given to the DOJ. The sheriff’s office said applicants will receive a determination on their CCW application within approximately 90 days.
If approved, applicants will be instructed to complete a required training course, which ranges from eight to 16 hours depending on whether they are new applicants or renewing their permits.
Staffing and technology efforts
The sheriff’s office explained that though there is progress with the process, staffing limitations remain a challenge. Currently, the Licensing and Criminal Registration Division employs 15 permanent staff members and four part-time retired employees. To address this, Sheriff Martinez has supplemented staffing with detectives who assist in the permitting process. Additionally, the office is looking into increasing automation and technology solutions to further expedite the process.
A new program, CCW Pro, is also being developed by the sheriff’s Data Services Division to streamline the permit process, with features like automated status updates and notifications. These technological advancements are expected to reduce wait times further in the future.
Legislative Support
Sheriff Martinez has also been a vocal supporter of legislation that could help improve the CCW permitting process. She backed Assembly Bill 1092, which sought to extend the CCW permit renewal period from two years to three or four years. Such an extension would allow the Sheriff’s office to better allocate resources, reducing costs for applicants and further streamlining the overall process.
Current requirements for CCW permits
To be eligible for a CCW permit in San Diego County, the sheriff’s office explained that residents must meet several criteria, as listed below:
- They are a San Diego County resident and can provide two valid proofs of residency (Penal Code 26150).
- They are not a disqualified person. (Penal Code 26202).
- They are not prohibited by state or federal law from possessing, receiving, owning or purchasing a firearm (Penal Code 26185).
- They complete the required CCW training course, as described in Penal Code 26165.
- Recent court rulings make out-of-state residents visiting San Diego (or other counties) eligible to obtain a CCW permit in California. The sheriff’s License and Criminal Registration Division is working out the process to accommodate those applicants.
Commitment to public safety
The sheriff’s office said it’s committed to maintaining the safety and well-being of the community while ensuring efficient customer service for those applying for CCW permits. Sheriff Martinez and her team expressed dedication to refining the process, balancing public safety, the rights of law-abiding citizens, and operational efficiency.
For more information on how to apply for a CCW permit in San Diego County, visit the sheriff’s office website or contact the License and Criminal Registration Division.
