NCJ Number
180150
Date Published
1999
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Findings outlined in this paper, based on a preliminary analysis of data on causes of death and official crime statistics in Australia and of the impact of national gun control legislation indicate a decline in firearm-related deaths in 1997, primarily due to a reduction in the rate of suicides and accidents.
Abstract
In response to continuing firearm-related violence, the Australian Institute of Criminology has established the National Firearms Monitoring Program (NFMP) to identify immediate and long-term effects of the implementation of firearm controls. Although the NFMP is still in its infancy, data have been compiled on the number and rate of incidents of firearm-related violence and misuse, both before and after the implementation of the Nationwide Agreement on Firearms. Data indicate a decline in firearm-related death rates since the agreement in most Australian jurisdictions. A declining trend has also been observed in the percentage of robberies involving the use of a firearm. In order to determine more definitively the impact of the agreement, the author recommends conducting an outcome evaluation at least 5 years post-implementation that involves structural models to assess the impact of the agreement on firearm-related deaths and offenses. Directions for further research are identified that concern firearm-related suicide and firearm-related robbery. 18 references, 3 tables, and 5 figures