An increased demand for concealed weapon carry permits during the past several months doesn’t appear to be slowing down.

“It’s gotten worse,” Butler County Sheriff Richard Jones said. “We’re three months behind trying to catch up.”

Butler County Sheriff’s Sgt. Monte Mayer said their office is booked through July 16.

Butler County processes CCW permits four days a week and appointments are scheduled every 30 minutes, Mayer said.

The number of permits have increased in Butler County from 1,428 in 2009 to 2,116 in 2012.

One reason Jones said he believes there’s been an increase for CCW permits is because people fear they won’t be able to obtain the permits or buy guns and bullets. He also said President Barack Obama’s re-election and recent school shootings are other reasons why people are seeking CCW permits.

“But the good thing is that all the people who are applying are all law-abiding citizens,” he said.

Jones said his office is looking at ways on how to make the CCW permit process shorter.

Warren County Chief Deputy Sheriff John Newsom said CCW permit applicants are up — continuing a trend that started last fall.

“We’re scheduling appointments at the end of August right now,” Newsom said.

Through March 1, Warren County has issued 161 CCW permits, according to Newsom.

Warren County processes CCW permit applications 3½ days a week all by an appointment that lasts nearly an hour, Newsom said.

“It’s everybody and it’s all across the board of all ages and socioeconomic classes (applying for the permit),” he said. “There are close to as many women as men who are applying.”

Staff Writer Lauren Pack contributed to this report.