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Department of the Treasury, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms • Youth Crime Gun Interdiction Initiative

Highlights of the ATLANTA City Report
Youth Crime Gun Interdiction Initiative (YCGII)

These findings summarize the trace information for crime guns recovered in the City of Atlanta during 1999 and traced in 1999 by law enforcement agencies in Atlanta, Georgia, including the Atlanta Police Department and ATF.

Crime Gun Possessors (Table A)

Juveniles (ages 17 & under) were associated with 5 percent of recovered crime guns, which is lower than the average of 9 percent for comparable YCGII cities.

Youth. The slightly more than 37 percent of crime guns recovered from youth (ages 18-24) is a higher percentage than the average of just over 34 percent in comparable YCGII cities.

Adults (ages 25 & older) accounted for nearly 58 percent of recovered crime guns in Atlanta.

Crime Guns and Illegal Diversion

Few Crime Gun Possessors Bought Their Guns Directly from Federally Licensed Gun Dealers. (Table A) Nearly 90 percent of Atlanta crime guns changed hands at least once before reaching the crime gun possessor and could have been legally transferred, straw purchased, otherwise trafficked, stolen, or a combination of these. Trafficking investigations can determine how these guns were obtained by the crime gun possessor.

Many Crime Guns Had a Short Time-to-Crime. Notwithstanding that most crime guns were bought from an FFL by someone other than their criminal possessor, many crime guns were recovered soon after their initial purchase. A short time from retail sale to recovery in crime, known as time-to-crime, is an indicator of illegal diversion or criminal intent associated with the retail sale. The presence of short time-to-crime guns also shows that many firearms offenses, including violent offenses with firearms, involve new guns.

The median time-to-crime for guns traced from Atlanta, where time-to-crime could be determined, was 3.2 years, as compared to the median of 5.7 years for comparable YCGII cities. The many guns that moved quickly from retail sale to recovery by law enforcement provide a wealth of investigative opportunities.

  • 48 percent of crime guns had a time-to-crime of less than 3 years (32 percent for comparable YCGII cities).
  • 23 percent of crime guns had a time-to-crime of a year or less (15 percent for comparable YCGII cities).

Types of Crime Guns (Table C)

Handguns accounted for more than 97 percent of Atlanta’s traced crime guns. This percentage is much higher than the 79 percent average of handgun trace requests for participating cities nationwide.

Semiautomatic pistols comprised nearly 73 percent of crime guns; revolvers, 24 percent.

  • Semiautomatic pistols dominated among crime guns recovered from youth (79 percent) and juveniles (72 percent), as well as from adults (69 percent).

Long guns accounted for fewer than 3 percent of crime guns recovered in Atlanta, significantly lower than in comparable YCGII cities (21 percent).

Most Frequently Traced Crime Guns by Manufacturer and Caliber (Table D)
1. Lorcin Engineering .380 Semiautomatic Pistol
2. Lorcin Engineering 9mm Semiautomatic Pistol
3. Bryco Arms .380 Semiautomatic Pistol
4. Smith & Wesson .38 Revolver
5. Ruger 9mm Semiautomatic Pistol
6. Hi-Point 9mm Semiautomatic Pistol
7. Davis Industries .380 Semiautomatic Pistol
8. Smith & Wesson 9mm Semiautomatic Pistol
9. Raven Arms .25 Semiautomatic Pistol
10. Bryco Arms 9mm Semiautomatic Pistol

Most Frequently Traced Fast Time-to-Crime Guns (Table E)

The following frequently traced firearms were recovered in crime within 3 years or less of having been purchased as new guns from a Federal firearms licensee in more than 50 percent of recoveries.

Juveniles

Manufacturer Caliber Type of Crime Gun
Bryco Arms .380 Semiautomatic Pistol
Bersa .380 Semiautomatic Pistol
Lorcin Engineering 9mm Semiautomatic Pistol
Hi-Point 9mm Semiautomatic Pistol
Lorcin Engineering .380 Semiautomatic Pistol

Youth

Manufacturer Caliber Type of Crime Gun
Lorcin Engineering 9mm Semiautomatic Pistol
Ruger 9mm Semiautomatic Pistol
Bryco Arms .380 Semiautomatic Pistol
Hi-Point 9mm Semiautomatic Pistol
Glock G.m.b.H. .40 Semiautomatic Pistol
Phoenix Arms Company .25 Semiautomatic Pistol
Lorcin Engineering .380 Semiautomatic Pistol

Adults

Manufacturer Caliber Type of Crime Gun
Bryco Arms 9mm Semiautomatic Pistol
Lorcin Engineering 9mm Semiautomatic Pistol
Bryco Arms .380 Semiautomatic Pistol
Hi-Point 9mm Semiautomatic Pistol
Lorcin Engineering .380 Semiautomatic Pistol
Ruger 9mm Semiautomatic Pistol

Highlights of the BALTIMORE City Report
Youth Crime Gun Interdiction Initiative (YCGII)

These findings summarize the trace information for crime guns recovered in the City of Baltimore during 1999 and traced in 1999 by law enforcement agencies in Baltimore, including the Baltimore Police Department and ATF. A survey conducted by ATF determined that Baltimore, Maryland, was tracing comprehensively in 1999.

Crime Gun Possessors (Table A)

Juveniles (ages 17 & under) were associated with 12 percent of recovered crime guns, a higher percentage than the average of 9 percent for comparable YCGII cities.

Youth (ages 18 - 24) were associated with 33 percent of recovered crime guns.

Adults (ages 25 & older) accounted for nearly 55 percent of recovered crime guns in Baltimore.

Crime Guns and Illegal Diversion
Few Crime Gun Possessors Bought Their Guns Directly from Federally Licensed Gun Dealers. (Table A) Over 89 percent of Baltimore Crime guns changed hands at least once before reaching the crime gun possessor and could have been legally transferred, straw purchased, otherwise trafficked, stolen, or a combination of these. Trafficking investigations can determine how these guns were obtained by the crime gun possessor.

Many Crime Guns Had a Short Time-to-Crime. Notwithstanding that most crime guns were bought from an FFL by someone other than their criminal possessor, many crime guns were recovered soon after their initial purchase. A short time from retail sale to recovery in crime, known as time-to-crime, is an indicator of illegal diversion or criminal intent associated with the retail sale. The presence of short time-to-crime guns also shows that many firearms offenses, including violent offenses with firearms, involve new guns.

The median time-to-crime for guns traced from Baltimore, where time-to-crime could be determined, was 6.1 years, as compared to the median of 5.7 years for comparable YCGII cities. Older guns that may have changed hands several times before acquisition by the criminal possessor may represent an investigative challenge. Many crime guns, however, moved more quickly from retail sale to recovery by law enforcement.

  • 28 percent of crime guns (570) had a time-to-crime of less than 3 years.
  • 14 percent of crime guns (280) had a time-to-crime of a year or less. Obliteration of Serial Numbers. (Table G) The obliteration of serial numbers is a key trafficking indicator.
  • Overall, 5 percent of handguns recovered in Baltimore had obliterated serial numbers.
  • Youth in Baltimore were associated with the highest percent of handguns with obliterated serial numbers (7 percent), as compared to juveniles (5 percent) and adults (5 percent).

Types of Crime Guns (Table C)

Handguns accounted for more than 74 percent of Baltimore’s traced crime guns.

Semiautomatic pistols comprised nearly 43 percent of crime guns.

  • Semiautomatic pistols dominated among crime guns recovered from youth (55 percent) and juveniles (48 percent), as well as from adults (40 percent).

Revolvers made up 30 percent of crime guns, with juveniles being associated with the most (36 percent), when compared to youth (29 percent) and adults (26 percent).

    Long guns accounted for 26 percent of crime guns recovered in Baltimore. By age group, adults were associated with the highest percent (34 percent), followed by youth (15 percent) and juveniles (15 percent).

    Most Frequently Traced Crime Guns by Manufacturer and Caliber (Table D)

    Manufacturer Caliber Type of Crime Gun
    Davis Industries .380 Semiautomatic Pistol
    Smith & Wesson .38 Revolver
    Mossberg 12 GA Shotgun
    Ruger 9mm Semiautomatic Pistol
    Harrington & Richardson .32 Revolver
    Marlin 22 Rifle
    Smith & Wesson .357 Revolver
    Smith & Wesson 9mm Semiautomatic Pistol
    Savage 12 GA Shotgun
    Raven Arms .25 Semiautomatic Pistol


    Most Frequently Traced Fast Time-to-Crime Guns (Table E)

    The following frequently traced firearms were recovered in crime within 3 years or less of having been purchased as new guns from a Federal firearms licensee in more than 50 percent of recoveries.

    Youth

    Manufacturer Caliber Type of Crime Gun
    Hi-Point 9mm Semiautomatic Pistol
    Haskell (MFGR) .45 Semiautomatic Pistol
    Ruger 9mm Semiautomatic Pistol
    Davis .380 Semiautomatic Pistol
    Mossberg 12 GA Shotgun

    Geographic Sources (Table F)
    In-State. Maryland Federal firearms licensees (FFLs) were the source of 61 percent of all traceable crime guns recovered in Baltimore.

    • In-County. FFLs located in Baltimore City were the source of 48 percent of crime guns recovered in Baltimore and purchased in Maryland.

Regional. Another 13 percent of Baltimore’s traceable crime guns were first purchased in the nearby States of Virginia, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

National. An additional 13 percent of traceable guns recovered in Baltimore were first purchased at FFLs in the southern States of North Carolina, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Texas.


Highlights of the BIRMINGHAM City Report
Youth Crime Gun Interdiction Initiative (YCGII)

These findings summarize the trace information for crime guns recovered in the City of Birmingham during 1999 and traced in 1999 by law enforcement agencies in Birmingham, Alabama, including the Birmingham Police Department and ATF.

Crime Gun Possessors (Table A)

Juveniles (ages 17 & under) were associated with over 9 percent of recovered crime guns.

Youth (ages 18 - 24) were associated with 34 percent of recovered crime guns.

Adults (ages 25 & older) accounted for nearly 57 percent of recovered crime guns in Birmingham.\

Crime Guns and Illegal Diversion

Few Crime Gun Possessors Bought Their Guns Directly from Federally Licensed Gun Dealers. (Table A) Nearly 88 percent of Birmingham crime guns changed hands at least once before reaching the crime gun possessor and could have been legally transferred, straw purchased, otherwise trafficked, stolen, or a combination of these. Trafficking investigations can determine how these guns were obtained by the crime gun possessor.

Many Crime Guns Had a Short Time-to-Crime. Notwithstanding that most crime guns were bought from an FFL by someone other than their criminal possessor, many crime guns were recovered soon after their initial purchase. A short time from retail sale to recovery in crime, known as time-to-crime, is an indicator of illegal diversion or criminal intent associated with the retail sale. The presence of short time-to-crime guns also shows that many firearms offenses, including violent offenses with firearms, involve new guns.

The median time-to-crime for guns traced from Birmingham, where time-to-crime could be determined, was 5.7 years, as compared to the median of 5.7 years for comparable YCGII cities. The many guns that moved quickly from retail sale to recovery by law enforcement provide a wealth of investigative opportunities.

  • 31 percent of crime guns had a time-to-crime of less than 3 years (32 percent for comparable YCGII cities).
  • 14 percent of crime guns had a time-to-crime of a year or less (15 percent for comparable YCGII cities).

Types of Crime Guns (Table C)

Handguns accounted for 82 percent of Birmingham’s traced crime guns.

Semiautomatic pistols comprised 51 percent of crime guns.

  • Semiautomatic pistols dominated among crime guns recovered from youth (61 percent) and juveniles (60 percent), as well as from adults (47 percent).

Revolvers made up 29 percent of crime guns and were more frequently recovered from juveniles (30 percent) and adults (30 percent), than from youth (25 percent).

Long guns accounted for 18 percent of crime guns recovered in Birmingham, lower than in comparable YCGII cities (21 percent).

Officer Safety. The North China Industries 7.62mm rifle was frequently traced from Birmingham. This rifle, as well as most other rifles, will pose an enhanced threat to law enforcement, in part, because of their ability to expel projectiles at velocities that are capable of penetrating the type of soft body armor typically worn by the average police officer.

Most Frequently Traced Crime Guns by Manufacturer and Caliber (Table D)

Manufacturer Caliber Type of Crime Gun
Lorcin Engineering .380 Semiautomatic Pistol
Ruger 9mm Semiautomatic Pistol
Smith & Wesson .38 Revolver
Rossi .38 Revolver
Raven Arms .25 Semiautomatic Pistol
Davis Industries .380 Semiautomatic Pistol
North China Industries 7.62mm Rifle
RG Industries .22 Revolver
RG Industries .38 Revolver


Most Frequently Traced Fast Time-to-Crime Guns (Table E)

The following frequently traced firearms were recovered in crime within 3 years or less of having been purchased as new guns from a Federal firearms licensee in more than 50 percent of recoveries.

Youth

Manufacturer Caliber Type of Crime Gun
Ruger 9mm Semiautomatic Pistol

Adults

Manufacturer Caliber Type of Crime Gun
Lorcin Engineering .380 Semiautomatic Pistol

Geographic Sources (Table F)

In-State. Alabama Federal firearms licensees (FFLs) were the source of 84 percent of all traceable crime guns recovered in Birmingham.

  • In-County. FFLs located in Jefferson County were the source of 46 percent of crime guns recovered in Birmingham and purchased in Alabama.

Regional. An additional 6 percent of Birmingham’s traceable crime guns were first purchased at FFLs in the nearby States of Georgia, Mississippi, and Florida.


Highlights of the BOSTON City Report
Youth Crime Gun Interdiction Initiative (YCGII)

These findings summarize the trace information for crime guns recovered in the City of Boston during 1999 and traced in 1999 by law enforcement agencies in Boston, including the Boston Police Department and ATF. A survey conducted by ATF determined that Boston, Massachusetts was tracing comprehensively in 1999.

Crime Gun Possessors (Table A)

Juveniles (ages 17 & under) were associated with slightly more than 15 percent of crime guns, a higher percentage than the average of 9 percent for comparable YCGII cities.

Youth (ages 18 - 24) were associated with nearly 46 percent of the recovered crime guns, a higher percentage than the average of 34 percent for comparable YCGII cities.

Adults (ages 25 & older) accounted for almost 39 percent of the recovered crime guns in Boston.

Crime Guns and Illegal Diversion

Few Crime Gun Possessors Bought Their Guns Directly from Federally Licensed Gun Dealers. (Table A) Over 93 percent of Boston crime guns changed hands more than once before reaching the crime gun possessor, and could have been legally transferred, straw purchased, otherwise trafficked, stolen, or a combination of these. Trafficking investigations can determine how these guns were obtained by the crime gun possessor.

Many Crime Guns Had a Short Time-to-Crime. Notwithstanding that most crime guns were bought from an FFL by someone other than their criminal possessor, many crime guns were recovered soon after their initial purchase. A short time from retail sale to recovery in crime, known as time-to-crime, is an indicator of illegal diversion or criminal intent associated with the retail sale. The presence of short time-to-crime guns also shows that many firearms offenses, including violent offenses with firearms, involve new guns.

The median time-to-crime for guns traced from Boston where time-to-crime could be determined, was 7.6 years, as compared to the median of 5.7 years for comparable YCGII cities. Older guns that may have changed hands several times before acquisition by the criminal possessor may represent an investigative challenge. Many crime guns, however, moved more quickly from retail sale to recovery by law enforcement.

  • 22 percent of crime guns (52) had a time-to-crime of less than 3 years.
  • 11 percent of crime guns (26) had a time-to-crime of a year or less. Obliteration of Serial Numbers. (Table G) The obliteration of serial numbers is a key trafficking indicator.
  • Overall, 16 percent of handguns recovered in Boston had obliterated serial numbers, a significantly higher percentage than the average of 11 cities for which sufficient information on obliterated serial numbers was available (6 percent).
  • There was significantly more obliteration of serial numbers on juvenile and youth crime guns in Boston than for the 11 YCGII cities. Forty-five percent of the semiautomatic pistols and 40 percent of revolvers recovered from juveniles in Boston had obliterated serial numbers, as compared to 10 percent of semiautomatic pistols and 5 percent of revolvers recovered from juveniles in the 11 YCGII cities for which that information was available.
  • Adults were significantly less likely to have guns with obliterated serial numbers, but a significant fraction of adult crime guns (9 percent) also had obliterated serial numbers.

Types of Crime Guns (Table C)

Handguns accounted for more than 73 percent of Boston’s traced crime guns.

Semiautomatic pistols comprised 44 percent of crime guns.

  • Semiautomatic pistols dominated among crime guns recovered from youth (56 percent) and juveniles (51 percent), as well as from adults (39 percent).

Revolvers made up 28 percent of crime guns, and constituted a similar percentage among juveniles (26 percent), youth (25 percent), and adults (25 percent).

Long guns accounted for 27 percent of crime guns recovered in Boston. By age group, twice as many long guns were recovered from adults (35 percent) as from youth (17 percent); 21 percent of juvenile crime guns were long guns.

Most Frequently Traced Crime Guns by Manufacturer and Caliber (Table D)

Manufacturer Caliber Type of Crime Gun
Smith & Wesson .38 Revolver
Mossberg 12 GA Shotgun
Glock G.m.b.H. .40 Semiautomatic Pistol
Colt .38 Revolver
Glock G.m.b.H. 9mm Semiautomatic Pistol
Lorcin Engineering .380 Semiautomatic Pistol
Raven Arms .25 Semiautomatic Pistol
Smith & Wesson 9mm Semiautomatic Pistol

Geographic Sources (Table F)

In-State. Massachusetts Federal firearms licensees (FFLs) were the source of nearly 40 percent of all traceable crime guns recovered in Boston.

  • In-County. FFLs located in Suffolk County were the source of 9 percent of crime guns recovered in Boston and purchased in Massachusetts.

Regional. Another 12 percent of Boston’s traceable crime guns were first purchased at FFLs in the nearby New England States of New Hampshire and Maine.

National. An additional 20 percent of traceable crime guns recovered in Boston were first purchased at FFLs in the southern States of Georgia, Florida, Virginia, Alabama, and North Carolina.


Highlights of the BRIDGEPORT City Report
Youth Crime Gun Interdiction Initiative (YCGII)

These findings summarize the trace information for crime guns recovered in the City of Bridgeport during 1999 and traced in 1999 by law enforcement agencies in Bridgeport, Connecticut, including the Bridgeport Police Department and ATF.

Crime Gun Possessors (Table A)

Juveniles (ages 17 & under) were associated with 6 percent of recovered crime guns.

Youth (ages 18 - 24) were associated with more than 44 percent of recovered crime guns, a higher percentage than the average of 34 percent for comparable YCGII cities.

Adults (ages 25 & older) accounted for almost 50 percent of recovered crime guns in Bridgeport.

Crime Guns and Illegal Diversion

Few Crime Gun Possessors Bought Their Guns Directly from Federally Licensed Gun Dealers. (Table A) Over 94 percent of Bridgeport crime guns changed hands at least once before reaching the crime gun possessor, and could have been legally transferred, straw purchased, otherwise trafficked, stolen, or a combination of these. Trafficking investigations can determine how these guns were obtained by the crime gun possessor.

Many Crime Guns Had a Short Time-to-Crime. Notwithstanding that most crime guns were bought from an FFL by someone other than their criminal possessor, many crime guns were recovered soon after their initial purchase. A short time from retail sale to recovery in crime, known as time-to-crime, is an indicator of illegal diversion or criminal intent associated with the retail sale. The presence of short time-to-crime guns also shows that many firearms offenses, including violent offenses with firearms, involve new guns.

The median time-to-crime for guns traced from Bridgeport, where time-to-crime could be determined, was 6.3 years, as compared to the median of 5.7 years for comparable YCGII cities. Older guns that may have changed hands several times before acquisition by the criminal possessor may represent an investigative challenge. Many crime guns, however, moved more quickly from retail sale to recovery by law enforcement.

  • 28 percent of crime guns (13) had a time-to-crime of less than 3 years.
  • 6 percent of crime guns (3) had a time-to-crime of a year or less.

Obliteration of Serial Numbers. (Table G) Obliteration of serial numbers is a key trafficking indicator.

  • Overall, 5 percent of handguns recovered in Bridgeport had obliterated serial numbers.
  • Semiautomatic pistols recovered from youth had serial numbers obliterated in 8 percent of recoveries; adults, 5 percent.

Types of Crime Guns (Table C)

Handguns accounted for more than 83 percent of Bridgeport’s traced crime guns.

Semiautomatic pistols comprised 60 percent of crime guns; revolvers, 22 percent.

  • Semiautomatic pistols dominated among crime guns recovered from juveniles (80 percent) and youth (74 percent), as well as from adults (54 percent).

Long guns accounted for 16 percent of crime guns recovered in Bridgeport, lower than the average of long gun recoveries for comparable YCGII cities (21 percent).

Most Frequently Traced Crime Guns (Table D)

Manufacturer Caliber Type of Crime Gun
Smith & Wesson 9mm Semiautomatic Pistol
Glock G.m.b.H. 9mm Semiautomatic Pistol
Bryco Arms .380 Semiautomatic Pistol
Ruger 9mm Semiautomatic Pistol
Smith & Wesson .38 Revolver

Geographic Sources (Table F)

In-State. Connecticut Federal firearms licensees (FFLs) were the source of nearly 71 percent of all traceable crime guns recovered in Bridgeport.

  • In-County. FFLs located in Fairfield County were the source of 64 percent of crime guns recovered in Bridgeport and purchased in Connecticut.

National. An additional 15 percent of traceable crime guns recovered in Bridgeport were first purchased at FFLs in the southern States of North Carolina, Mississippi, Virginia, and Alabama.


Highlights of the CHARLOTTE-MECKLENBURG City Report
Youth Crime Gun Interdiction Initiative (YCGII)

These findings summarize the trace information for crime guns recovered in the City of Charlotte-Mecklenburg during 1999 and traced in 1999 by law enforcement agencies in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, including the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and ATF. Based on historical trends, judgment, and the informed opinions of ATF agents who work locally with the city police department and Sheriff’s Office, ATF determined that Charlotte-Mecklenburg, North Carolina, was tracing comprehensively in 1999.

Crime Gun Possessors (Table A)

Juveniles (ages 17 & under) were associated with 7 percent of recovered crime guns.

Youth (ages 18 - 24) were associated with 47 percent of recovered crime guns, a higher percentage than the average of 34 percent for comparable YCGII cities.

Adults (ages 25 & older) also accounted for nearly 47 percent of recovered crime guns in Charlotte- Mecklenburg.

Crime Guns and Illegal Diversion

Few Crime Gun Possessors Bought Their Guns Directly from Federally Licensed Gun Dealers. (Table A) Over 92 percent of Charlotte-Mecklenburg crime guns changed hands at least once before reaching the crime gun possessor, and could have been legally transferred, straw purchased, otherwise trafficked, stolen, or a combination of these. Trafficking investigations can determine how these guns were obtained by the crime gun possessor.

Many Crime Guns Had a Short Time-to-Crime. Notwithstanding that most crime guns were bought from an FFL by someone other than their criminal possessor, many crime guns were recovered soon after their initial purchase. A short time from retail sale to recovery in crime, known as time-to-crime, is an indicator of illegal diversion or criminal intent associated with the retail sale. The presence of short time-to-crime guns also shows that many firearm offenses, including violent offenses with firearms, involve new guns.

The median time-to-crime for guns traced from Charlotte-Mecklenburg, where time-to-crime could be determined, was 4.2 years, as compared to the median of 5.7 years for comparable YCGII cities. With many guns that moved quickly from retail sale to recovery by law enforcement, Charlotte-Mecklenburg contains a wealth of investigative opportunities.

  • 41 percent of crime guns had a time-to-crime of less than 3 years (32 percent for comparable YCGII cities).
  • 21 percent of crime guns had a time-to-crime of a year or less (15 percent for comparable YCGII cities).

Types of Crime Guns (Table C)

Handguns accounted for 76 percent of Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s traced crime guns.

Semiautomatic pistols comprised 52 percent of crime guns; revolvers, 22 percent.

  • Semiautomatic pistols dominated among crime guns recovered from youth (63 percent) and juveniles (61 percent), as well as from adults (45 percent).

Long guns accounted for 24 percent of crime guns recovered in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. By age group, adults were associated with the highest percent (29 percent), followed by youth (18 percent), and juveniles (10 percent).

Officer Safety.

The North China Industries 7.62mm rifle was frequently traced from Charlotte-Mecklenburg. This rifle, as well as most other rifles, will pose an enhanced threat to law enforcement, in part, because of their ability to expel projectiles at velocities that are capable of penetrating the type of soft body armor typically worn by the average police officer.

Most Frequently Traced Crime Guns by Manufacturer and Caliber (Table D)

Manufacturer Caliber Type of Crime Gun
Lorcin Engineering .380 Semiautomatic Pistol
Ruger 9mm Semiautomatic Pistol
Mossberg 12 GA Shotgun
Smith & Wesson .38 Revolver
Rossi .38 Revolver
Bryco Arms 9mm Semiautomatic Pistol
Lorcin Engineering 9mm Semiautomatic Pistol
Marlin .22 Rifle
North China Industries 7.62mm Rifle
Maverick Arms 12 GA Shotgun


Most Frequently Traced Fast Time-to-Crime Guns (Table E)

The following frequently traced firearms were recovered in crime within 3 years or less of having been purchased as new guns from a Federal firearms licensee in more than 50 percent of recoveries.

Youth

Manufacturer Caliber Type of Crime Gun
Maverick Arms 12 GA Shotgun
Bryco Arms 9mm Semiautomatic Pistol
Lorcin Engineering 9mm Semiautomatic Pistol
Lorcin Engineering .380 Semiautomatic Pistol
Bryco Arms .380 Semiautomatic Pistol

Adult

Manufacturer Caliber Type of Crime Gun
Rossi .38 Revolver
Lorcin Engineering .380 Semiautomatic Pistol

Geographic Sources (Table F)

In-State. North Carolina Federal firearms licensees (FFLs) were the source of 67 percent of all traceable crime guns recovered in Charlotte-Mecklenberg.

  • In-County. FFLs located in Mecklenburg County were the source of 47 percent of crime guns recovered in Charlotte-Mecklenberg and purchased in North Carolina.

Regional. Another 12 percent of Charlotte-Mecklenberg’s traceable crime guns were first purchased at FFLs in the nearby States of Georgia and Virginia.


Highlights of the CHICAGO City Report
Youth Crime Gun Interdiction Initiative (YCGII)

These findings summarize the trace information for crime guns recovered in the City of Chicago during 1999 and traced in 1999 by law enforcement agencies in Chicago, including the Chicago Police Department and ATF. Based on historical trends, judgment, and the informed opinions of ATF agents who work locally with the city police department, ATF determined that Chicago, Illinois, was tracing comprehensively in 1999.

Crime Gun Possessors (Table A)

Juveniles (ages 17 & under) were associated with 15 percent of recovered crime guns, a significantly higher percentage than the average of 9 percent for comparable YCGII cities.

Youth (ages 18 - 24) were associated with 37 percent of crime guns recovered.

Adults (ages 25 & older) accounted for nearly 47 percent of recovered crime guns in Chicago.

Crime Guns and Illegal Diversion

Few Crime Gun Possessors Bought Their Guns Directly from Federally Licensed Gun Dealers. (Table A) Nearly 95 percent of Chicago crime guns changed hands at least once before reaching the crime gun possessor, and could have been legally transferred, straw purchased, otherwise trafficked, stolen, or a combination of these. Trafficking investigations can determine how these guns were obtained by the crime gun possessor.

Many Crime Guns Had a Short Time-to-Crime. Notwithstanding that most crime guns were bought from an FFL by someone other than their criminal possessor, many crime guns were recovered soon after their initial purchase. A short time from retail sale to recovery in crime, known as time-to-crime, is an indicator of illegal diversion or criminal intent associated with the retail sale. The presence of short time-to-crime guns also shows that many firearm offenses, including violent offenses with firearms, involve new guns.

The median time-to-crime for guns traced from Chicago, where time-to-crime could be determined, was 5.3 years, as compared to the median of 5.7 years for comparable YCGII cities. With many guns that moved quickly from retail sale to recovery by law enforcement, Chicago contains a wealth of investigative opportunities.

  • 34 percent of crime guns had a time-to-crime of less than 3 years (32 percent for comparable YCGII cities).
  • 15 percent of crime guns had a time-to-crime of a year or less (15 percent for comparable YCGII cities).

Types of Crime Guns (Table C)

Handguns accounted for almost 85 percent of Chicago’s traced crime guns.

Semiautomatic pistols comprised 49 percent of crime guns.

  • Semiautomatic pistols dominated among crime guns recovered from juveniles (57 percent) and youth (57 percent), as well as from adults (49 percent).

Revolvers made up 34 percent of crime guns; with comparable representation from juveniles (34 percent), youth (31 percent), and adults (32 percent).

Long guns accounted for 15 percent of crime guns recovered in Chicago, lower than the average of long gun recoveries in comparable cities nationwide (21 percent).

Most Frequently Traced Crime Guns by Manufacturer and Caliber (Table D)

Manufacturer Caliber Type of Crime Gun
Smith & Wesson .38 Revolver
Lorcin Engineering .380 Semiautomatic Pistol
Smith & Wesson .357 Revolver
Smith & Wesson 9mm Semiautomatic Pistol
Taurus .38 Revolver
Ruger 9mm Semiautomatic Pistol
Bryco Arms .380 Semiautomatic Pistol
Colt .38 Revolver
Davis Industries .380 Semiautomatic Pistol
Raven Arms .25 Semiautomatic Pistol

Most Frequently Traced Fast Time-to-Crime Guns (Table E)

The following frequently traced firearms were recovered in crime within 3 years or less of having been purchased as new guns from a Federal firearms licensee for more than 50 percent of recoveries.

Juveniles

Manufacturer Caliber Type of Crime Gun
Bryco Arms .380 Semiautomatic Pistol

Youth

Manufacturer Caliber Type of Crime Gun
Bryco Arms 9mm Semiautomatic Pistol
Ruger 9mm Semiautomatic Pistol

Adults

Manufacturer Caliber Type of Crime Gun
Lorcin Engineering .380 Semiautomatic Pistol
Ruger 9mm Semiautomatic Pistol

Geographic Sources (Table F)

In-State. Illinois Federal firearms licensees (FFLs) were the source of 52 percent of all traceable crime guns recovered in Chicago.

In-County. FFLs located in Cook County were the source of 53 percent of crime guns recovered in Chicago and purchased in Illinois.

Regional. Another 14 percent of Chicago’s traceable crime guns were first purchased in the nearby States of Indiana, Wisconsin, and Kentucky.

National. Mississippi was the State of first retail purchase in over 8 percent of Chicago’s traces.


Highlights of the CINCINNATI City Report
Youth Crime Gun Interdiction Initiative (YCGII)

These findings summarize the trace information for crime guns recovered in the City of Cincinnati during 1999 and traced in 1999 by law enforcement agencies in Cincinnati, including the Cincinnati Police Department and ATF. A survey conducted by ATF determined that Cincinnati, Ohio, was tracing comprehensively in 1999.

Crime Gun Possessors (Table A)

Juveniles (age 17 & under) were associated with 11 percent of recovered crime guns, a higher percentage than the average of 9 percent for comparable YCGII cities.

Youth (ages 18 - 24) were associated with 36 percent of recovered crime guns.

Adults (ages 25 & older) accounted for over 53 percent of recovered crime guns in Cincinnati.

Crime Guns and Illegal Diversion

Few Crime Gun Possessors Bought Their Guns Directly from Federally Licensed Gun Dealers. (Table A) Over 89 percent of Cincinnati crime guns changed hands at least once before reaching the crime gun possessor, and could have been legally transferred, straw purchased, otherwise trafficked, stolen, or a combination of these. Trafficking investigations can determine how these guns were obtained by the crime gun possessor.

Many Crime Guns Had a Short Time-to-Crime. Notwithstanding that most crime guns were bought from an FFL by someone other than their criminal possessor, many crime guns were recovered soon after their initial purchase. A short time from retail sale to recovery in crime, known as time-to-crime, is an indicator of illegal diversion or criminal intent associated with the retail sale. The presence of short time-to-crime guns also shows that many firearm offenses, including violent offenses with firearms, involve new guns.

The median time-to-crime for guns traced from Cincinnati, where time-to-crime could be determined, was 5.4 years, as compared to the median of 5.7 years for comparable YCGII cities. With many guns that moved quickly from retail sale to recovery by law enforcement, Cincinnati contains a wealth of investigative opportunities.

  • 36 percent of crime guns had a time-to-crime of less than 3 years (32 percent for comparable YCGII cities).
  • 18 percent of crime guns had a time-to-crime of a year or less (15 percent for comparable YCGII cities).

Obliteration of Serial Numbers. (Table G) Obliteration of serial numbers is a key trafficking indicator.

  • Overall, 5 percent of handguns recovered in Cincinnati had obliterated serial numbers.
  • Youth were most likely to be associated with obliterated serial numbers on handguns (9 percent), followed by juveniles (6 percent), and adults (3 percent).

Types of Crime Guns (Table C)

Handguns accounted for 84 percent of Cincinnati’s traced crime guns.

Semiautomatic pistols comprised 51 percent of crime guns.

  • Semiautomatic pistols dominated among crime guns recovered from juveniles (66 percent) and youth (65 percent), as well as from adults (43 percent).

Revolvers made up 31 percent of crime guns, and were comparably represented among juveniles (28 percent), youth (23 percent), and adults (34 percent).

Long guns accounted for 16 percent of crime guns recovered in Cincinnati, lower than the average of long guns recoveries for comparable YCGII cities (21 percent).

Most Frequently Traced Crime Guns by Manufacturer and Caliber (Table D)

Manufacturer Caliber Type of Crime Gun
Bryco Arms .380 Semiautomatic Pistol
Lorcin Engineering .380 Semiautomatic Pistol
Raven Arms .25 Semiautomatic Pistol
Smith & Wesson .38 Revolver
Phoenix Arms Company .25 Semiautomatic Pistol
Davis Industries .380 Semiautomatic Pistol
Smith & Wesson .357 Revolver
Taurus .38 Revolver
Rossi .38 Revolver
Marlin .22 Rifle

Most Frequently Traced Fast Time-to-Crime Guns (Table E)

The following frequently traced firearms were recovered in crime within 3 years or less of having been purchased as new guns from a Federal firearms licensee in more than 50 percent of recoveries.

Juvenile

Manufacturer Caliber Type of Crime Gun
Phoenix Arms Company .25 Semiautomatic Pistol

Youth

Manufacturer Caliber Type of Crime Gun
Hi-Point 9mm Semiautomatic Pistol
Smith & Wesson 9mm Semiautomatic Pistol
Bryco Arms .380 Semiautomatic Pistol

Adult

Manufacturer Caliber Type of Crime Gun
Phoenix Arms Company .25 Semiautomatic Pistol
Bryco Arms .380 Semiautomatic Pistol

Geographic Sources (Table F)

In-State. Ohio Federal firearms licensees (FFLs) were the source of nearly 60 percent of all traceable crime guns recovered in Cincinnati.

  • In-County. FFLs located in Hamilton County were the source of 36 percent of crime guns recovered in Cincinnati and purchased in Ohio.

Regional. Another 23 percent of Cincinnati’s traceable crime guns were first purchased in the nearby States of Kentucky and Indiana.