Introduction
This article seeks to compare crime statistics between Texas License to Carry (LTC) holders and non-LTC holders for Deadly Conduct Discharge Firearm Individuals in 2017. This comparison is important in order to determine whether LTC holders, more likely to be law-abiding citizens in general due to their background checks and eligibility requirements, are more or less likely than non-LTC holders to commit a crime with a firearm.
Crime Statistics among Texas LTC Holders
In 2017, there were 3 convictions of Deadly Conduct Discharge Firearm Individuals among Texas LTC holders, representing a 1.2% rate of convictions among that group. This rate is significantly lower than the rate among non-LTC holders, which had 201 convictions at a rate of 28.3%. This is evidence that LTC holders appear to be less likely to commit crimes with firearms than non-LTC holders.
Factors that May Contribute to the Difference in Crime Statistics between Texas LTC and Non-LTC Holders
The lower rate of convictions among LTC holders than non-LTC holders may be due to a number of factors. For example, LTC holders must pass extensive background checks and meet other strict eligibility requirements before being approved for an LTC. In addition, LTC holders must complete a training and education course prior to receiving the license. Furthermore, LTC holders may be more likely to perceive and accept the risk and responsibility associated with carrying a firearm than non-LTC holders.
Conclusion
The results of this article suggest that LTC holders are less likely than non-LTC holders to commit crimes with firearms. This is likely due to the strict background checks and eligibility requirements, as well as the education and training provided to LTC holders. It is important to note that these findings do not indicate that LTC holders are not at risk of committing crime, but rather that they appear to be much less likely to do so than non-LTC holders.
