TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

INTRODUCTION

President Clinton’s Directive of March 20, 1999
An Historic Reduction in Crime, 1992-1999
Looking Ahead: An Integrated National Strategy to Reduce Gun Violence

Federal and State Coordination
Using Data and Information Technology to Strategically Enhance Law Enforcement
Attacking Gun Violence with a Comprehensive Strategy

THE INTEGRATED NATIONAL STRATEGY TO REDUCE GUN VIOLENCE

I.    Fundamentals of the National Strategy

National Coordination and Leadership
Enhanced Funding for Firearms Enforcement Initiatives

II.    Punishing Those Who Illegally Possess or Use Guns

Vigorous and Coordinated Firearms Prosecutions

Violent Crimes Committed with Firearms
Gang-Related Gun Crime
Drug-Related Gun Violence
Domestic Violence Involving Firearms
Unlawful Gun Possession

III.  Breaking the Cycle of Violence

Targeted Deterrence

Expansion to Other Communities
Integrating Prevention and Intervention Programs with Law Enforcement Activities
Assisting Victims

IV.   Enforcing Laws That Keep Guns Out of the Wrong Hands

Preventing Illegal Purchases on the Legal Market through the Brady Law

Delayed Denials
Secondary Market

Stopping Traffickers on the Illegal Market

Ensuring Dealer Compliance with Firearms Laws
Targeting Straw Purchasers and Straw Purchasing Rings
Cracking Down on Unlicensed Dealers
Preventing Illegal Access to Firearms by Juveniles and Youth
Reducing Gun Theft From Businesses and Homes
Investigating Prohibited Persons Who Unsuccessfully Attempt to Purchase Firearms
Industry Self-Policing

V.    Investing in Information Technology to Identify Criminals and Support Strategic Law Enforcement

Traditional Investigation and Intelligence
Tracing Crime Guns
National Integrated Ballistics Information Network (NIBIN)
Restoration of Obliterated Serial Numbers

VI.   Preventing Gun Accidents and Suicides

Supporting Smart Gun Research
Greater Care by the Industry in Designing and Selling Firearms
Public Education and Media Campaigns
Firearms-Related Suicide

LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS

Enact Tougher Criminal Penalties For Those Who Violate the Federal Firearms Laws
Keep Guns Out of the Wrong Hands

Address the Secondary Market
Close Loopholes in the Brady Law
Reduce Illegal Trafficking in Firearms
Reduce Illegal Access to Firearms by Juveniles and Youth
Deny Convicted Criminals Access to Guns
Enhance ATF's Ability to Trace Crime Guns and Use Ballistics Technology
Enforce Dealer Compliance with Tracing and Firearms Laws

Prevent Gun Accidents and Suicides

Improve Safety Training and Safe Access
Regulate Firearms Design and Marketing

CONCLUSION
 

FIGURES

Figure 1, “Federal Weapons and Firearms Offenders Convicted and Sentenced, 1992 vs. 1999”
Figure 2, “State and Federal Weapons Offenders Convicted in 1992, 1994 and 1996”
Figure 3, “Violent Crimes With Firearms”
Figure 4, “Decrease in Firearms Homicides, Boston, Massachusetts: 1995-1999”
Figure 5, “Decrease in Firearms Homicides, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1996-1999”
Figure 6, “Decrease in Firearms Homicides, Richmond, Virginia: 1990-1999”
Figure 7, “Photograph of Project Ice Bumper Sticker”
Figure 8, “Gun Crime Reduction, High Point, North Carolina: 1997-1999”
Figure 9, “FBI Percentage of Denials by Category”

APPENDICES

Appendix A: Summary of District Gun Violence Reduction Strategies
Appendix B: Status in Congress of Legislative Proposals Included in this Report
Appendix C: History of Federal Firearms Laws in the United States
Appendix D: Smith & Wesson Agreement
Appendix E: Quick Reference Card: Federal Firearms Laws