NCJ Number
55636
Date Published
Unknown
Length
5 pages
Annotation
RESPONSES TO 111 QUESTIONNAIRES FROM POLICE OFFICERS IN FOUR SUBURBS OF ST. LOUIS, MO., SHOW THAT 65 PERCENT FAVOR HANDGUN REGISTRATION, 83 PERCENT A LICENSE FEE, AND 79 PERCENT PROHIBITION OF SATURDAY NIGHT SPECIALS.
Abstract
THE QUESTIONNAIRE WAS GIVEN TO 127 OFFICERS; 87.4 PERCENT WERE RETURNED. THE RESPONSES SHOWED THAT 83 PERCENT FAVOR A REQUIREMENT THAT OWNERS OF HANDGUNS SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THE USE OF THEIR WEAPON AND MUST REPORT TO THE POLICE OR OTHER AGENCY IF THE WEAPON IS STOLEN. A MINIMUM SKILLS TEST BEFORE ISSUANCE OF A PERMIT IS FAVORED BY 66 PERCENT. A MANDATORY SENTENCE FOR USE OF A HANDGUN IN A CRIMINAL ACTION IS FAVORED BY 94 PERCENT. ONLY 29 PERCENT FELT A HANDGUN WAS NECESSARY FOR HOUSEHOLD DEFENSE WHILE 64 PERCENT FELT THE HANDGUN IS MORE LIKELY TO BE USED AGAINST A MEMBER OF THE FAMILY, A FRIEND, OR A RELATIVE IF KEPT AT HOME. ABOUT 60 PERCENT BELIEVE THE SECOND AMENDMENT OF THE CONSTITUTION UPHOLDS THE RIGHT OF INDIVIDUALS TO OWN A HANDGUN, 82 PERCENT FEEL MANUFACTURERS SHOULD BE COMPELLED TO REPORT THE NUMBER OF HANDGUNS THEY PRODUCE EACH YEAR, AND 71 PERCENT FAVOR RESEARCH TO DETERMINE WHERE OFFENDERS WHO USE HANDGUNS GOT THEIR WEAPONS. THE QUESTIONNAIRE IS REPRODUCED ALONG WITH A TABULATION OF RESPONSES. (GLR)