Citizen, defend thyself: an individual-level analysis of concealed weapon permit holders

摘要

Research on right-to-carry laws and subsequent crime reduction has relied heavily on the use of econometric models relying on aggregate-level data. We examine the underlying individual-level motivations for obtaining a concealed weapon permit utilizing a survey of permit holders and citizens in New Orleans. Employing a multi-level modeling strategy, we simultaneously examine individual-level characteristics along with contextual effects, specifically the neighborhood violent crime rate. In sum, we find little evidence to support the supposition that concealed weapon permits are utilized by those most likely to be at risk for violent crime victimization.