Hank Investigates: License to carry

"Lee"/ Licensed to carry
"I want the guarantee I can protect myself and my family. If I choose to carry, that’s up to me."

In fact, our investigation found more than 194,000 people in Massachusetts---that’s one in 25 Bay State adults--has the Class A license that could allow them to carry a concealed firearm. That's equal to one person on each city bus--or 10 moviegoers at a sold out show.

Hank Phillippi Ryan
"Do you think people realize how many people are carrying a concealed gun?"

Chief Paul Frazier/President/MA Chiefs of Police Association
"No. I’m sure most residents don't know who has them and who doesn’t have them."

But we obtained town-by-town numbers---and found the percent of adults with those Class A licenses depends on where you live.

In Boston and Cambridge--fewer than one percent. In Wareham and Millville..around 9 percent. Rowe and Savoy more than 26 percent..and Oakham, more than 44 per cent.

Chief Donald Haapakoski/ Oakham Police Chief
"I think people are exercising their right to carry firearms."

Police say Walter Bishop was licensed--and used his weapon to kill a man in a road rage dispute. Law enforcement confirms William Green was licensed to carry too--he's charged in another road rage shooting.

Officials say: even Massachusetts’ extra-tough gun law--which requires criminal background checks and a gun safety course--can't predict the unpredictable.

Chief Paul Frazier/MA Chiefs of Police Association
"Probably 99 percent of people properly licensed to carry firearms do not commit crimes. So it’s a very rare instance."

State law does give local police chiefs the power to refuse "unsuitable" applicants--those with a history of domestic violence, or substance abuse.

Captain John O’Leary/Brookline Police
"We have to have the community's safety in mind, as well as the applicants safety."

Some chiefs make licensing even tougher. Braintree requires five letters of recommendation. Brookline a gun proficiency test--and--most controversial--a compelling reason.

Hank Phillippi Ryan
"So if I said I just dont feel safe, is that good enough?"

Captain John O’Leary/Brookline Police
"No."

Some think the law gives local police chiefs so much power---it makes the rules unfairly inconsistent.

June--from Hanover--carries her .38 for self-protection.

But when gun instructor Lynne from Norwood wanted a license to carry--for the same reason--her hometown chief said no.

Lynne Roberts/Gun Owner
"He said I didn't prove I needed a firearm. It’s outrageous."

On the other hand: Lee fears if he moves to a new town--his license to carry could be revoked.

"Lee"/Gun Owner
"Whats been given to me in one town I could lose in another."

We found the number of those licensed to carry is increasing--police point to increasing fear of terrorism and violence.

And Chiefs tell us: they realize every approval--could be a life or death decision.

Chief Paul Frazier/MA Chiefs of Police Association
"If something happens that no one is aware of we're left---its our responsibility to deal with it."

Hank Phillippi Ryan
The state is now completing a cutting edge computerized licensing application system--with instant access to criminal records.

If you want to know who's carrying a legally concealed firearm--that's not possible. State law keeps that confidential.

(Copyright (c) 2005 Sunbeam Television Corp. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)