Pasadena Police Finalize Updated Concealed Carry Weapon Permit Application Process

The Pasadena Police Department will brief the City Council’s Public Safety Committee on new local procedures for applying for concealed carry weapon (CCW) permit after a  U.S. Supreme Court ruling in June struck down a New York state law that restricted who could obtain a permit to carry a gun in public. 

Under the law in place since 1913, New York residents were required to show proper cause, or an actual need, to carry a concealed handgun in public for self-defense. 

The Supreme Court said that law conflicts with the Second Amendment’s right to bear arms.

Almost immediately the Pasadena Police Department began receiving requests for CCW permits.

Currently, the Pasadena Police Department is reviewing and finalizing updated CCW policies and procedures so as to remove the “good cause” mandate.

Under new Los Angeles County rules, the CCW licensing process still requires that the applicant is of good moral character, a resident of the county or city within the county, and should have completed a course of training.

The Police Department said it is intending to start implementing the new licensing procedures by Nov. 1.

According to a report contained in Wednesday’s Public Safety Committee meeting agenda, applying for the CCW license will start on the Police Department website, from which appointments at one-hour increments can be arranged for the actual filing. The current Police Department page on the City’s website will be updated to include these procedures. 

After submission of required documents, including proof of completion of the required training, the Police Department will conduct a background investigation on the applicant, with a 90-day turnaround, and inspect the firearm that’s being licensed.

The applicant will also go through a psychological evaluation and will be interviewed by the Chief of Police, and be required to undergo a polygraph test if necessary, as part of the final procedures.

New applications, according to the draft procedures, could cost up to $580.14, and renewals can cost up to $389.14.