Rising Crime Sparks Surge in Gun Permit Requests in NY and NJ

A surge in gun permit applications in New York and New Jersey has residents feeling both hopeful and uncertain about their personal security amid rising crime and potential stricter legislation.

At a Glance

Over 13,300 New Yorkers applied for gun carry licenses in 2023, nearly double the number from 2022.
The NYPD’s financial bottom line has benefited from the increase in permit applications.
New Jersey approved more than 99% of applications during this period.
A poll shows 62% of likely city voters feel less safe than in 2020.
The Supreme Court’s 2022 ruling invalidated a New York law requiring “proper cause” for self-defense, prompting a spike in applications.

Rising Concern and Legislative Shifts

In response to rising crime and social unrest, residents of New York and New Jersey are flocking to apply for gun permits. Over 13,300 New Yorkers applied for gun carry licenses in 2023, a substantial increase from the 7,407 applications in 2022 and 4,665 in 2021. The spike followed a 2022 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that invalidated a New York law requiring applicants to prove “proper cause” for self-defense. Those now seeking permits need not justify a specific self-defense requirement, provided there are no disqualifying reasons.

In New Jersey, the phenomenon is equally staggering. Since the Supreme Court’s decision, the state has seen around 41,000 new applications between 2022 and June 30, 2024, with nearly 12,500 in the first half of 2024. Remarkably, over 99% of these applications were approved. Anonymized data released by the state reveals application numbers, approvals, denials, and even demographic information.

Applications for permits to carry guns have spiked in both New York City and New Jersey since the U.S. Supreme Court ordered New York and other states with strict regulations to make it easier for people to arm themselves in the summer of 2022. https://t.co/cEHa85jX9Q pic.twitter.com/59jXFuTZFj

— Gothamist (@Gothamist) August 13, 2024

Economic Impact on NYPD

For the New York City Police Department, the surge in gun permit applications has translated into a financial boon. The NYPD is projected to earn $6.3 million in gun permit application fees this fiscal year, thanks in part to the Program to Eliminate the Gap (PEG) initiated by Mayor Adams. For the next fiscal year, the figure is expected to be around $2.77 million. Despite the monetary benefits, concerns remain about maintaining rigorous background checks and safety protocols amid this rush.

“Definitely the most popular reason is they just don’t feel as safe as they used to, with the protests, riots, crime,” said David, who asked that his last name not be used.

While the overall crime rates have decreased compared to recent years, the levels are still above pre-pandemic figures. Polls also reflect a general sense of insecurity among residents; a survey from the Manhattan Institute revealed that 62% of likely city voters feel less safe than they did in 2020.

Amid ongoing fear of crime, more than 13,300 New Yorkers applied for licenses to carry guns in the city last year, a near-double increase compared to 2022.https://t.co/s3xU1QglKN

— New York Daily News (@NYDailyNews) April 27, 2024

Training and Safety Concerns

Both states have implemented new requirements and banned firearms in several public spaces since the Supreme Court ruling. However, concerns persist about the adequacy of current weapons training. Gerald Esposito, owner of Esposito’s Custom Guns in Queens, noted, “It’s 16 hours in the classroom and two hours on the range. I took the class, and it’s a very basic class. I would not let someone hold a gun next to me who was in that class. I was scared with some of the people in the class. One mistake could be a very bad mistake.”

“Most people are getting the carry license just for self defense, home protection,” said Lateif Dickerson, master instructor at the New Jersey Firearms Academy in Jersey City. “A lot of people are not going to rely on the police for their personal safety. They’d rather be able to protect their self and their family.”

The NYPD’s License Division, responsible for processing gun permits, has a history of corruption. No specific anti-corruption protocols were mentioned in response to the unprecedented surge in applications.

Attorney General Matthew Platkin emphasized transparency as crucial for public safety, saying, “Transparency is a key component to enhancing public safety. The data available in this dashboard allows its users to gain an understanding of where in New Jersey the applications for permits to carry firearms is increasing.”

Looking Forward

As states like New York and New Jersey reevaluate their laws following the Supreme Court’s decision, it remains to be seen how these changes will impact public safety and personal security. Still, the surge in applications indicates a widespread sentiment among residents: In these uncertain times, many feel that personal security starts with the right to bear arms.

Amidst all these developments, the community remains divided on the issue of gun control and personal freedom, highlighting the ongoing debate that continues to shape our nation’s policy and society.