At one time the DPS listed number of license holders by county. A few days ago I saw a a listing of LEOs by county on some news website, but I can't find it now.
But none the less, a few years ago it was possible to look up numbers of license holders for example in Ward county. There are probably a dozen to 15 sworn peace officers there. But, there were several hundred CHLs. It is like that all over the state. LEOs seem to run at about 10 percent of the LEGAL carrying population, in my best guess.
Now, how is that any kind of deterrence? Since, it is concealed, and probably 75% of the population couldn't care less.
It is a deterrence because, gangsters, thieves, and other criminals that are affected by this, ARE aware. Their success, and survival can hinge on it.
The same as asking "How many folks know how many overhead cameras are in a typical Wal-Mart?"
The answer is "How many folks are going to try to steal from Wal-Mart?"
Those that plan crimes against persons, need to at least be aware of the possibility of a prospective victim being armed.
The bulk of the population may think that we with CHLs are paranoid, but I will bet we are not near as paranoid as our counter-parts on the other side of the law. They have to fear each other, and us.
