Introduction
The purpose of this article is to compare the crime statistics of Texans who hold a License to Carry (LTC) to those who do not, specifically in relation to the crime of Terroristic Threat in 2018. Terroristic Threat is defined by the Texas Penal Code as a person threatening to commit any offense involving violence to any person or property with intent to cause alarm or reaction of any type by the public.
It is important to understand the relationship between crime and the possession of firearms, especially among those who are licensed to carry. A better understanding of this relationship could help inform policy decisions that better protect public safety.
Crime Statistics Among Texas LTC Holders
In 2018, two people who held a Texas LTC were convicted of Terroristic Threat. During the same period, there were 395 convictions for non-LTC holders for the same offense. This is a 0.5% conviction rate for Texas LTC holders, which is significantly lower than the 100% conviction rate for non-LTC holders for the same offense.
Factors That May Contribute to the Difference in Crime Statistics Between Texas LTC and Non-LTC Holders
Background checks and eligibility requirements for LTC are meant to ensure that only those with a clean record may obtain a license. This includes a criminal background check, a psychological evaluation and various other criteria that must be met before an individual can be approved for a license.
LTC holders are also required to complete a training course that covers safety and the legal use and storage of firearms. This may contribute to the lower rates of crime committed by LTC holders.
Finally, those who choose to obtain an LTC may have a greater sense of responsibility to follow the law than those without an LTC. This could explain why LTC holders have a lower rate of crime than those without an LTC.
Conclusion
The findings of this article indicate that Texans who held an LTC in 2018 were less likely to be convicted of Terroristic Threat than those who did not have an LTC. This could be attributed to the rigorous background checks, training and education that are required in order to obtain an LTC, as well as the perception of greater risk and responsibility among LTC holders.
The findings of this article have implications for those who seek to obtain an LTC and for policy makers considering changes to LTC regulations. It is important to note that these findings are based on one type of crime and may not necessarily be representative of all types of crime.
