Police Chiefs' Perceptions of the Regulation of Firearms

Author: Thompson, Amy / Price, James H. / Dake, Joseph A. / Tatchell, Thomas
Publication: American Journal of Preventive Medicine
Link to Published Abstract
Topics: Law Enforcement Legislation and Policy Public Opinion Supply
Keywords: PUBLIC health demographic characteristics firearm control advocacy firearms regulation police chiefs perceptions
Bibliographic information +

405 police chiefs completed a survey designed to assess the likelihood of respondents’ firearm policy support, interest, exposure, involvement with firearm control advocacy, demographic and background characteristics. The majority of responding police chiefs supported 11 out of 14 proposed firearm control policies. Most police chiefs (62%) believed that the government should do everything it can to keep handguns out of the hands of criminals, even if it makes it more difficult for law-abiding citizens to purchase handguns. Police chiefs were not likely to participate in the majority of firearm control advocacy activities.