Pistol permit changes begin

WAMPSVILLE, N.Y. » Interested in obtaining a Madison County pistol permit? The process just got easier.

Starting Monday, Oct. 23, county residents will no longer have to drive to the sheriff’s headquarters in Wampsville to obtain the pistol permit application - it will now be available to download, and the $3 application fee has been waived.

“Over the course of the past few months, myself and our lead pistol permit investigator have had several meetings with the county court judge on the pistol permit process, and as a result of this cooperative effort with the judge, I am pleased to announce several enhancements have been developed that will make the process of obtaining a pistol permit in our County much more efficient for our residents, and make that process much more timely,” said acting sheriff John Ball. “The changes in no way compromise the integrity of the vetting and investigation process behind each permit.”

In addition to the online presence for the application and elim- ination of the application fee, other changes include:

•Detailed instructions for completion of the permit are also on the sheriff’s website

•Standardizing handgun safety requirements for permit applicants, following the NRA model. Check the NRA website for dates and locations. In addition, the handgun safety course offered by Onondaga Community College’s Public Safety Training Center is also acceptable, as well as any classroom-based 4 hour handgun safety course. Online courses, or the national conceal/ carry courses are NOT accepted.

•Authorized substitutions for the handgun safety course (i.e. current or former law enforce-

ment, current active duty military or veteran, proof of hunter safety course, or possession of a valid NYS hunting license)

•Streamlining the permit application from seven pages to four, reducing redundant and unnecessary information. Other required forms for the permit are also included online that must be completed as part of the application process.

The online pistol permit application, as well as additional information for new or current gun owners, be can found at www.madisoncounty.ny.gov/ 1494/ Pistol- Permits

“Coupled with an updated, comprehensive background investigation and vetting process, as well as a clear understanding of the county court judge’s expectations, this joint effort will prove beneficial to any resident who desires a permit, or a current permit holder in need of mak- ing a modification to their current permit,” Ball said. Additional enhancements to the program are in the works and are expected to be rolled out over the course of the following several months.