NCJ Number
160519
Date Published
1995
Length
71 pages
Annotation
This study evaluated Rotterdam-Rijnmond and Gelderland- Midden, the first two offices for the enforcement of firearms regulations in the Netherlands.
Abstract
The offices were opened in 1994 after research into numerous shooting incidents showed the necessity of controlling illegal gun ownership and monitoring legal gun ownership. The study was based on statistics recorded by the pilot offices; a survey of police officers; and interviews with members of police departments, the prosecution office, the National Criminal Intelligence Service, the military police, and customs. The results indicate the success of this pilot project. In the 1-year study period, more guns were confiscated and more suspects arrested for firearm law violations than in the previous 2 years. In addition, the interviewees praised the offices' role in coordinating investigations and the employees' professionalism. The study recommends to maintain the two existing offices and to open similar offices with other regional police forces. Statistical charts of the results are appended.