NCJ Number
212307
Journal
Criminal Justice Review Volume: 30 Issue: 1 Dated: May 2005 Pages: 45-63
Date Published
May 2005
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This study explored the unlawful possession of assault weapons by juveniles.
Abstract
There is a widespread perception in American society that violence among juveniles is increasing, particularly violence involving firearms. The current study focused on allegations concerning the sophistication of juvenile firearm use, particularly juvenile use of assault weapons that has been propagated by the news media, the entertainment industry, interest groups, politicians, and the police. Drawing on national-level ATF data from a sample of large cities and data on all firearms recovered from juveniles in two jurisdictions characterized by high gang activity and high homicide rates (St. Louis, MO and Washington, DC), this study examined whether juveniles used assault weapons during the commission of crimes between 1997 and 2000. Results of statistical analyses indicated that juveniles rarely used or possessed assault weapons. In fact, it was found that juveniles typically employed relatively unsophisticated firearms in crimes. The authors point out that policymakers should turn their attention to the proliferation of handguns among juvenile populations, which are much more likely to be used by juveniles than assault weapons. Tables, notes, references