Deschutes County dealing with weapons license backlog

Deschutes County residents are having to wait several months to get their concealed handgun license permits due to a backlog at the sheriff’s office.

Sheriff Shane Nelson said Thursday the agency has seen a rise in the number of residents applying for or renewing their license.

Nelson said his office saw an increase after the terror attack in San Bernardino, California.

In September, he said, the agency received about 100 new license applications. That rose to 150 applications last month.

He also told NewsChannel 21 renewal requests have increased from 144 to 200 just last month.

Most residents are waiting months to get their appointment. One told us his appointment is in September.

Nelson said he understands residents’ frustration and is working hard at addressing the issue.

“I just ask for the citizens’ continued patienceas we try to work through this challenge,” Nelson said. “We are trying to shorten those wait times for those appointments because we understand those concealed handgun applications are important.”

The sheriff’s office has hired an extra employee to help process the applications.