SANTA BARBARA COUNTY - There are about 50 permits currently in Santa Barbara County that allow people to carry a concealed weapon.
"Again its up to the Sheriff and the criteria the Sheriff puts forth in issuing those permits", says Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department spokesperson Sgt. Mark Williams.
Sheriff's Department spokesperson Mark Williams says County Sheriff Bill Brown uses strict criteria in reviewing requests for a concealed weapons permit.
"One is good moral character, and the second thing is good cause", Williams says, "if there is a legitimate credible threat against your life or your family member's lives that is one consideration and the second consideration is a vocational need."
Only the County Sheriff or a local police chief has the authority to issue a concealed weapons permit.
Career law enforcement professionals say the system is set up to ensure only a select few actually get a permit.
"There's a lot to be considered with training and mindset for any individual that's carrying a firearm concealed", Williams says.
