Handgun Violence Prevention Act of 1987 Testimony Before the Subcommittee on the Constitution of the Senate Judiciary

• NCJ Number: 105850
• Author(s): D Stephens
• Date Published: 1987
• Length: 5 pages
• Corporate Author: Police Executive Research Forum (PERF)
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Type: Legislative Hearing/Committee Report
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Testimony on the Handgun Violence Prevention Act of 1987 supports the adoption of a national waiting period for the purchase of handguns.

Abstract

Introduction of a waiting period would permit police to conduct background checks that would make it more difficult for the emotionally unstable and criminal to obtain handguns. In addition, it provides a cooling off period that may deter crimes committed in the heat of the moment, as well as suicides. By leaving the performance and procedures of a background check to the discretion of police, it is unlikely that the law will unnecessarily divert police resources. The provision that records will be disposed of after 60 days defuses fears that such records would be used as a form of firearms registration. When combined with tougher sentencing and other remedies, the law can be an effective means for preventing some handgun deaths and accidents.