http://www.kolr10.com/news/default.asp?mode=shownews&id=4888
Two Years After Carry Concealed - Is it Working?
It`s been almost two years since Missouri residents were allowed to carry concealed weapons. At the time, supporters argued it would allow people to better protect themselves. After two years, most area
law enforcement agencies say it`s working.

The law allows anyone with a concealed weapon permit to carry a gun on them when out in public.
There are some exceptions such as inside retail centers or government buildings.

There is some cost to carrying a concealed weapon. You must pay $100 for a criminal background check and also go through a certified training course.

Area sheriffs say the process takes some manpower because of the paperwork involved. And while people are allowed to carry guns, law enforcement says the background checks keep the guns in the hands of law abiding people.

"I think there was initial concern that we`re going to issue permits to anyone that walks in off the street," acknowledged Chief Deputy Jim Arnott of the Greene County Sheriff`s department. "But it`s been good outstanding citizens that took the training and went through the time to make the application."

In Webster County, Sheriff Ron Worsham says crime rates have remained steady since the carry concealed law passed. About 200 permits have been issued, which is a lower number than expected.

"And I think maybe the reason for that is, it`s such a hassle to carry a concealed weapon, because you`ve got to take it on and off all the time everytime you go into a store and you`re not required to have the permit to carry it in your car."

If anything, Worsham says he believes the laws should have been passed earlier to protect women from potential attackers. "And I think a large number of women, if they`ve been carrying a weapon of some kind, would still be alive today."