Thousands of Broome County pistol permit holders don't want their information to be available to the public.

Sheriff David Harder estimates up to 3,000 permit holders have submitted opt-out applications.

Speaking on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program Wednesday morning, Harder said he had just received a court order from Broome County Judge Joseph Cawley directing that all requests for confidentiality be granted.

Harder said his office will start processing the applications soon. He said he expects to hire a couple of people to handle the task, noting the he's facing a tall stack of forms from people who want to keep their permit information private.

Wednesday was designated the official deadline for filing the opt-out applications but the sheriff indicated he'll accept additional forms as they come in over the next few days.

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