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Viewpoints in Homeland Defense and Security: Armed to Learn: Aiming at California K-12 School Gun Policy [video]
"Although the idea of a school shooting strikes fear in the hearts of school administrators, school employees, and parents, there is no agreement on whether arming employees is a sound strategy to counter this threat. There is a wide gap in viewpoints between gun control advocates who want tighter gun control and constitutionalists who believe as strongly in the Second Amendment right to bear arms. Whether or not to implement a weapons policy is an issue every school superintendent or school authority may need to face sooner or later. In this Viewpoints video, Catherine Jones, Director of Risk Management Services for the Kern County CA Superintendent of Schools Office, discusses her Master's thesis, entitled, 'Armed to Learn: Aiming at California K-12 School Gun Policy.' This research does not seek to answer the question of whether school districts should arm their employees, but rather it seeks to provide a framework for each educational agency to explore, contemplate, and determine its course of action based upon risk management principles that take into account the values, goals, and capabilities of the community in which the policy would apply. Possible outcomes include the policy options of MoreGuns (allow teachers to be armed), BanGuns (no one is armed), or SomeGuns (trained security or law enforcement can be armed but not teachers). This research is intended to stand as a resource for stakeholders, such as legislators, parents, and employees, to equip them to engage in the policy debate and to empower their participation in making informed decisions about school district weapons policy."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Jones, Catherine Wilson
2016-04-25
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Armed to Learn: Aiming at California K-12 School Gun Policy
From the thesis abstract: "Although the idea of a school shooting strikes fear in the hearts of school administrators, school employees, and parents, there is no agreement on whether arming employees is a sound strategy to counter this threat. There is a wide gap in viewpoints between gun control advocates who want tighter gun control and constitutionalists who believe as strongly in the Second Amendment right to bear arms. Whether or not to implement a weapons policy is an issue every school superintendent or school authority may need to face sooner or later. This research does not seek to answer the question of whether school districts should arm their employees. Rather, it seeks to provide a framework for each educational agency to explore, contemplate, and determine its course of action based upon risk-management principles that take into account the values, goals, and capabilities of the community in which the policy would apply. Possible outcomes include the policy options of MoreGuns (allow teachers to be armed), BanGuns (no one is armed), or SomeGuns (trained security or law enforcement can be armed but not teachers). This research is intended to stand as a resource for stakeholders such as legislators, parents, and employees; to equip them to engage in the policy debate; and to empower their participation in making informed decisions about school-district weapons policy."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Jones, Catherine Wilson
2016-03
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Serial No. 110-9: Lethal Loopholes; Deficiencies in State and Federal Gun Purchase Laws: Hearing before the Subcommittee on Domestic Policy of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, House of Representatives, One Hundred Tenth Congress, First Session, May 10, 2007
From the opening statement of Dennis Kucinich: "This hearing will focus on lethal loopholes and deficiencies in laws designed to prevent high-risk individuals from buying firearms. There are other important reasons why America has such a high rate of gun violence -- gang activity, inadequate provision of mental health services, and cultural attitudes toward violence. But those are issues for another day. There are many federal and state laws that have been on the books--- some for decades- aimed at preventing certain categories of people from purchasing guns. The problem is that they do not function properly or are not properly enforced. In 1968 when Congress passed the Gun Control Act, it made a judgment that certain categories of individuals- termed 'prohibited persons'- should not be allowed to purchase or possess handguns or long guns because of the high risk that they would later use these firearms to commit crimes. Prohibited persons included convicted felons, illegal aliens, and individuals with serious mental health issues. The problem was that it was difficult to determine which individuals fell into these categories when they walked into a gun dealer to buy a gun." Statement, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Rachel L. Brand, Susan B. Sorenson, Robyn Thomas, Dan Burton, Elijah E. Cummings, Danny K. Davis, John Feinblatt, Paul Helmke, Ronald S. Honberg, and Daniel W. Webster.
United States. Government Printing Office
2007
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U.S. Gun Policy: Framework and Major Issues [December 3, 2018]
"Federal firearms regulation has been a subject of continuous interest for legislators. In recent Congresses, a range of proposals has been introduced, with some seeking to ease various federal firearms restrictions or facilitate reciprocity in state treatment of persons authorized to carry a firearm by another state. Other proposals have sought greater restrictions on the federal rules concerning the possession, transfer or sale of firearms,or the expansion of background checks for firearm purchases. These various approaches, in turn, prompt debate about not only their pros and cons but also their legalities, as Congress's ability to legislate on such matters must comport with the Second Amendment and other constitutional constraints."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Peck, Sarah Herman; Krouse, William J.
2018-12-03
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Kelly Report 2014: Gun Violence in America
"Every day in America, we navigate the threat of gun violence. This threat permeates all corners of our country, from street corners to cul-de-sacs, shattering our sense of security and insidiously altering how we live. Since I've been in Congress, I've heard countless stories of unbearable loss brought on by the pull of a trigger. Young women killed in acts of domestic violence. Teenagers gunned down coming out of school basketball games. A 6-year-old shot and killed as her mother braided her hair on their front porch--a shooting that made some parents question whether it was safe to let their children out of the house at all. […] The Kelly Report on Gun Violence is about creating a better, safer America. This report--the first collaboration of its kind between Members of Congress, gun safety advocates, and the public health and academic communities--is an anthology of analyses of the gun violence crisis by federal, state, and local stakeholders and gun reform advocates. This report defines the nature of gun violence in America, while providing a framework for improving the status quo through a comprehensive set of legislative and public policy recommendations. It is a multi-faceted approach to gun violence prevention, one that includes ideas for ground-level social supports to help build safer communities. The Kelly Report offers a reasonable and feasible way forward in reducing gun violence in our country."
Office of Congresswoman Robin L. Kelly
Kelly, Robin L.
2014
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Analysis of a Multi-disciplinary Approach to Gun Misuse and the Need for a Paradigm Shift in Terminology
From the thesis abstract: "The threat of gun misuse occurs against the backdrop of historical, cultural, and legal perspectives within which guns are immersed. This thesis explores the potential for collaboration among the medical, legal, and homeland security disciplines when confronting a commonly held threat, such as gun misuse. Currently, each discipline has a unique and sometimes conflicting definitional view of what the term 'gun control' actually means, as well as how it is to be operationally approached. What emerges within this thesis is the position that 'gun control' is not even the correct term to use and should be avoided when addressing issues involving gun misuse. Rather, the use of the term 'gun misuse prevention' appears to be more appropriate. Such a shift in perspective is not only more consistent with the gun misuse data presented, but also serves to dampen the polarization imposed by the use of the term 'control.' Further, it provides a clearer path for stakeholders from both the public and private sectors to approach and make recommendations when confronting the issue of gun misuse that includes legislative, policy, and technological approaches. This type of approach may pave the way for addressing other issues of common interdisciplinary concern."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Arnold, Damon T.
2016-12
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Gun Trafficking and the Southwest Border [September 21, 2009]
"U.S. firearms laws currently govern the possession and transfer of firearms and provide penalties for the violation of such laws. 'Gun trafficking,' although not defined by statute, essentially includes the movement or diversion of firearms from legal to illegal markets. This report includes legal analyses of three ATF-investigated, Southwest border gun trafficking cases to illustrate the federal statutes that are typically violated as part of wider gun trafficking schemes. The report also examines anti-gun trafficking proposals introduced in the 110th Congress. So far, no similar proposals have been introduced in the 111th Congress. The report concludes with possible policy questions for Congress regarding the magnitude of Southwest border gun trafficking, the use and significance of ATF crime gun trace data, the possible ratification of an Inter-American Gun Trafficking Convention (CIFTA), and the adequacy of the federal statutes designed to deter and reduce illegal gun trafficking."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Krouse, William J.; Chu, Vivian S.
2009-09-21
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Gun Trafficking and the Southwest Border [July 29, 2009]
"U.S. firearms laws currently govern the possession and transfer of firearms and provide penalties for the violation of such laws. 'Gun trafficking,' although not defined by statute, essentially includes the movement or diversion of firearms from legal to illegal markets. This report includes legal analyses of three ATF-investigated, Southwest border gun trafficking cases to illustrate the federal statutes that are typically violated as part of wider gun trafficking schemes. The report also examines anti-gun trafficking proposals introduced in the 110th Congress. So far, no similar proposals have been introduced in the 111th Congress. The report concludes with possible policy questions for Congress regarding the magnitude of Southwest border gun trafficking, the use and significance of ATF crime gun trace data, the possible ratification of an Inter-American Gun Trafficking Convention (CIFTA), and the adequacy of the federal statutes designed to deter and reduce illegal gun trafficking."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Krouse, William J.; Chu, Vivian S.
2009-07-29
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Gun Control Legislation in the 108th Congress [Updated January 27, 2003]
Congress continues to debate the efficacy and constitutionality of federal regulation of firearms and ammunition. Since 1934, various federal laws have been enacted to promote such regulation. The two most significant federal statutes controlling firearms held by civilians are the National Firearms Act of 1934 and the Gun Control Act of 1968. The 1934 Act established strict registration requirements and a transfer tax on machine guns and short-barreled long guns. The 1968 Act prohibits mail-order and interstate sales of firearms, prohibits transfers to minors and other prohibited persons, and sets forth penalties and licensing requirements for manufacturers, importers, and dealers. Gun control advocates argue that federal regulation of firearms curbs access by criminals, juveniles, and other "high-risk" individuals. Some seek broad policy changes such as near-prohibition of non-police handgun ownership or the registration of all firearm owners or firearms. Others advocate less comprehensive policies that they maintain would not impede ownership and legitimate firearm transfers. Opposition to federal controls is strong. While several dozen gun control-related proposals are likely to be introduced in the 108th Congress that represent a variety of positions on federal regulation of firearms, legislative debate and action may develop in the following issue areas: (1) extending, making permanent, or allowing to expire, the semiautomatic assault weapons ban, which sunsets on September 13, 2004; (2) expanding electronic access to disqualifying records under the Brady criminal background check system; (3) expanding federally-supported ballistic imaging to enhance law enforcement efforts; and (4) further regulating firearm transfers at gun shows.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Krouse, William J.
2003-01-27
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Review of ATF's Actions in Revoking the Federal Firearms License of Guns & Ammo
"In response to a congressional request, the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) examined whether the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) followed its administrative action policy throughout the revocation process in a case involving a Federal Firearm Licensee (FFL), Ralph Weaver doing business as Guns & Ammo. ATF's administrative action policy in effect at the time of the Guns & Ammo case, the Federal Firearms Administrative Action Policy and Procedures (ATF Order 5370.1A, October 30, 2009), provided that an FFL's license could be revoked if the FFL had a history of similar, repeated violations. ATF inspected Guns & Ammo in November 2009 and found firearms violations that could have warranted a proposal of revocation pursuant to ATF policy. In his inspection report, however, the ATF Industry Operations Investigator (IOI) recommended an alternative to revocation that included a warning conference and future recall inspection. The IOI noted, among other things, that this was the licensee's first ATF inspection since April 1998, that the licensee's understanding of the 'Gun Control Act of 1968' was wrong, and that a complete and detailed closing was conducted with the licensee instructing him on how to bring his firearm business up to date and in full compliance with the 'Gun Control Act'."
United States. Department of Justice. Office of the Inspector General
2013-09
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Gun Legislation in the 109th Congress [Updated September 15, 2006]
"Congress continues to debate the efficacy and constitutionality of federal regulation of firearms and ammunition. It is a contentious debate, with strong advocates for and against the further federal regulation of firearms. Gun control advocates argue that federal regulation of firearms curbs access by criminals, juveniles, and other 'high-risk' individuals. They contend that only federal measures can successfully reduce the availability of guns throughout the nation. Some seek broad policy changes such as near-prohibition of non-police handgun ownership or the registration of all firearms or firearm owners. They assert that there is no constitutional barrier to such measures and no significant social costs. Others advocate fewer comprehensive policies that they maintain would not impede ownership and legitimate firearm transfers. Gun control opponents deny that federal policies keep firearms out of the hands of high-risk persons; rather, they argue, controls often create burdens for law-abiding citizens and infringe upon constitutional rights provided by the Second Amendment. Some argue further that widespread gun ownership is one of the best deterrents to crime as well as to potential tyranny, whether by gangs or by government. They may also criticize the notion of enhancing federal, as opposed to state, police powers. Additional firearm-related issues that may receive consideration include (1) retaining Brady background check records for approved firearm transactions to enhance terrorist screening, (2) more strictly regulating certain long-range fifty caliber rifles, (3) further regulating certain firearms previously defined in statute as 'assault weapons,' and (4) requiring background checks for private firearm transfers at gun shows."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
2006-09-15
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Preventing Gun Violence While Protecting Gun Rights: CRS Experts [January 17, 2013]
"The following table provides names and contact information for CRS [Congressional Research Service] experts on policy issues related to preventing gun violence while protecting gun rights. In the wake of the Newtown, CT, shootings, several gun control issues are likely to be debated. They are likely to include universal background checks, a ban or greater regulation of certain semiautomatic firearms and large capacity ammunition feeding devices (sometimes referred to as 'military-style' or 'military grade' firearms, or 'assault weapons'), strengthening background checks, improving firearm trace databases, and repealing limitations on certain firearms-related data maintained by the federal government. For a complete list of CRS products on gun violence prevention and gun control, see the CRS Issues in Focus webpage, 'Regulation of Firearms.'"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Krouse, William J.
2013-01-17
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Preventing School Shootings: A Public Health Approach to Gun Violence
From the thesis abstract: "Gun violence in America must be addressed at the highest levels of society. Newtown, Aurora, and Virginia Tech were attacks on the very fabric of America. School shootings represent attacks on our nations' future. A public health approach to gun violence focuses on prevention. Public safety professionals, educators and community leaders are squandering opportunities to prevent horrific acts of extreme violence. Preparedness is derived by planning, which is critical to mobilizing resources when needed. Rational public policy can work. Sensible gun legislation, which is accessible through a public health approach to gun violence, neither marginalizes nor stigmatizes any one group. University administrators must fully engage the entire arsenal of resources available to confront this pernicious threat. The academic community can create powerful networks for research, collaboration and information sharing. These collective learning environments are investments in the knowledge economy. In order for the police to remain relevant, they must actively engage the community they serve by developing the operational art necessary to cultivate knowledge, relationships and expertise. Police departments must emphasize strategies that improve performance. Police officers must understand the mission and meaning of 'To Protect and Serve' and the consequences of public safety, which often comes at their personal peril. Gun violence in America is a public health epidemic and preventing it requires a collective responsibility."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Welch, Edward J.
2013-03
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Public Mass Shootings in the United States: Selected Implications for Federal Public Health and Safety Policy [April 16, 2013]
"This report focuses on mass shootings and selected implications they have for federal policy in the areas of public health and safety. While such crimes most directly impact particular citizens in very specific communities, addressing these violent episodes involves officials at all levels of government and professionals from numerous disciplines. […] This report does not discuss gun control policies and does not systematically address the broader issue of gun violence, which can include topics such as gun-related suicide and a wide variety of gun-related crimes. Also, it is not intended as an exhaustive review of federal programs addressing the issue of mass shootings."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Bjelopera, Jerome P.; Bagalman, Erin; Finklea, Kristin M. . . .
2013-04-16
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National Institute of Justice Research Report: Review of Gun Safety Technologies
"When such an issue with deep and powerful cultural resonance as firearms is given the full attention of the nation, the challenges involved with confronting the complex interconnectedness of law, public safety, Constitutional rights, policy, technology, market forces, and other concerns seem only amplified. With careful consideration, however, untangling the various components of the issue is possible, and an investigation of technology can be accomplished with minimal diversion into the other realms. This report examines existing and emerging gun safety technologies and their availability and use to provide a comprehensive perspective on firearms with integrated advanced safety technologies. These firearms are known by various terms such as smart guns, user-authorized handguns, childproof guns, and personalized firearms. A 'personalized firearm' can be understood to utilize integrated components that exclusively permit an 'authorized user' or set of users to operate or fire the gun and automatically 'deactivate' it under a set of specific circumstances, reducing the chances of accidental or purposeful use by an 'unauthorized user'."
National Institute of Justice (U.S.)
Greene, Mark
2013-06
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Viewpoints in Homeland Defense and Security: Thesis Series: Preventing School Shootings: A Public Health Approach to Gun Violence [video]
From the webpage description: "Gun violence in America must be addressed at the highest levels of society. Newtown, Aurora, and Virginia Tech were attacks on the very fabric of America. School Shootings represent attacks on our nations' future. A public health approach to gun violence focuses on prevention. Public safety professionals, educators and community leaders are squandering opportunities to prevent horrific acts of extreme violence. Preparedness is derived by planning, which is critical to mobilizing resources when needed, Rational public policy can work. Sensible gun legislation, which is accessible through a public health approach to gun violence, neither marginalizes nor stigmatizes any one group."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Welch, Edward J.
2013-05-14
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Serial No. 107-94: The Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act: Hearing before the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, House of Representatives, One Hundred Seventh Congress, Second Session on H.R. 2037, April 18, 2002
On April 18, 2002, the House of Representatives Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection of the Committee on Energy and Commerce convenes to discuss and hear testimony on the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act. Testifying are David Pasternak on behalf of the American Bar Association, Michael Barnes of the Brady Center, Elisa Barnes, Sterling Burnett of the National Center for Policy Analysis, Lawrence Keane of National Shooting Sports Foundation, Kristin Rand of the Violence Policy Center, and Jeff Reh of the Beretta USA Corporation. Chairman Stearns explains that "the bill addresses the growing problem of nuisance lawsuits filed with the intention of driving the firearms industry out of business by attempting to hold manufacturers and dealers liable for the criminal acts of third-parties who are totally beyond their control." He contends that "what these suits represent are blatant attempts to regulate an industry". Congressman Towns, however, disagrees and argues that gun dealers should share liability in gun-related incidents. David Pasternak testifies that "the American Bar Association opposes federal, state or territorial legislation to create special legal immunity for the firearms industry from civil tort liability." Michael Barnes agrees, stating that "this bill is a misguided, unjust attempt to provide special legal protection for the gun industry at the expense of innocent Americans who have been harmed by the dangerous and irresponsible actions of firearm manufacturers and sellers." Industry representative hold differing views, arguing that "If the tactic of these lawsuits is allowed to succeed, recourse to the courts can make the legislature superfluous."
United States. Government Printing Office
2002-05-25
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Serial No. 110-182: U.S. Assistance to South Asia: Is There a Strategy to Go with All That Money? Hearing Before the Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, House of Representatives, One Hundred Tenth Congress, Second Session, May 14, 2008
From the opening statement of Gary L. Ackerman: "Last week I suggested that the major elements of U.S. foreign assistance consisted, metaphorically speaking, of sending lawyers, guns and money, that promoting democracy, free markets, civil society and the rule of law strengthens our partners in the international community, that supporting our allies with appropriate arms and training is morally and smart policy and that using our wealth and access to our economy to friendly nations to grow their economies and develop their governance capacity is a smart use of our taxpayers' money. In essence, lawyers, guns and money are the key pillars supporting American foreign policy. Each element has its limit as well. In South Asia, all three components are necessary but are not by themselves sufficient. Pillars are just that, pillars. They are not the whole structure. They are tools and tactics to help us achieve our policy goals. In South Asia, they are often tactics in search of a strategy. South Asia is arguably the place from which America faces the greatest terrorist threat. It was in Afghanistan that al-Qaeda plotted and carried out the attacks of September 11. […] With regard to Afghanistan, the Atlantic Council states: Make no mistake, NATO is not winning in Afghanistan. The Center for the Study of the Presidency's Afghanistan Study Group concludes: The mission to stabilize Afghanistan is faltering. The International Crisis Group maintains: Afghanistan is not lost but the signs are not good." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Richard A. Boucher, Mark Ward, and Gary L. Ackerman.
United States. Government Printing Office
2008
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Gun Legislation in the 109th Congress [Updated May 6, 2005]
"Gun control advocates argue that federal regulation of firearms curbs access by criminals, juveniles, and other 'high-risk' individuals. They contend that only federal measures can successfully reduce the availability of guns throughout the nation. Some seek broad policy changes such as near-prohibition of non-police handgun ownership or the registration of all firearms or firearm owners. They assert that there is no constitutional barrier to such measures and no significant social costs. Others advocate less comprehensive policies that they maintain would not impede ownership and legitimate firearm transfers."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Krouse, William J.
2005-05-06
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Department of Defense Instruction 6400.06: Domestic Abuse Involving DoD Military and Certain Affiliated Personnel, August 21, 2007 [Incorporating Change 1, September 20, 2011]
Purpose of this Instruction: "Pursuant to Reference (a), this Instruction: 1.1. Establishes, implements, and updates domestic abuse policies; identifies and assigns responsibilities for preventing and responding to domestic abuse; replaces and cancels References (b) through (d) and Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness (USD(P&R)) Memorandum, 'Policy for Implementation of Domestic Violence Misdemeanor Amendment to the Gun Control Act for Civilian Personnel' (Reference (e)); Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness (USD(P&R)) Memorandum, 'Domestic Abuse Victim Advocate Program' (Reference (f)); USD(P&R) Policy Memorandum, 'Military Protective Orders (MPOs)' (Reference (g)); USD(P&R) Policy Memorandum, 'Implementation of the Armed Forces Domestic Security Act,' (Reference (h)); USD(P&R) Policy Memorandum, 'Establishing Domestic Violence Memoranda of Understanding Between Military and Local Civilian Officials,' (Reference (i); Principal Deputy USD(P&R) Policy Memorandum, 'Domestic Violence Prosecution Training,' (Reference (j)); USD(P&R) Policy Memorandum, 'Domestic Abuse Training for Chaplains,' (Reference (k)); USD(P&R) Policy Memorandum, 'Domestic Abuse Response and Intervention Training for Commanding Officers and Senior Enlisted Personnel,' (Reference (l)); USD(P&R) Policy Memorandum, 'Establishing Protocols for Law Enforcement and Command Responses to Domestic Violence Involving Military Members on Active Duty,' (Reference (m)); USD(P&R) Policy Memorandum, 'Domestic Abuse Identification and Assessment Training for Health Care Providers,' (Reference (n)); and USD(P&R) Policy Memorandum, 'Restricted Reporting Policy for Incidents of Domestic Abuse' (Reference (o))."
United States. Department of Defense
2011-09-20
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Meeting to Approve New Electronic Communications Policy: Meeting before the Committee on House Administration, House of Representatives, One Hundred Eighth Congress, First Session, September 5, 2003
The changing state of communication, particularly in the realm of electronic correspondence and e-mail, has urged new legislation from Washington and posed the question as to the legal boundaries of such items. To understand the rationale for the proposed change it is important to understand the history behind our current policy. Public Law 97-69, which passed in the 97th Congress, contained a provision prohibiting unsolicited mass mailings which are defined
by the franking guidelines as mass mailings containing 500 or more pieces of substantially identical contents. If one receives a thousand letters in for guns or against guns, whatever the issue is, those would be recognized as solicited mailings, but the 500 or more pieces of substantially identical content are mailings that are sent out, and it is unsolicited. There is no doubt that web pages and e-mails have greatly enhanced the ability of people in
this country and around the world to communicate their points of view, but it also raises a issues begging the question of how these new mediums should be regulated.
United States. Government Printing Office
2003-09-05
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Gun Control: Potential Effects of Next-Day Destruction of NICS Background Check Records
While routine system audits may not be adversely affected by DOJ's proposed requirement for next-day destruction of records, other current uses of NICS records would be affected, with consequences for public safety and NICS operations. The FBI has drafted plans that would address most potential effects of the proposed policy for next-day destruction of records. NICS officials told us, however, that the FBI would not lose any routine audit capabilities under the proposed policy for next-day destruction of records. Specifically, under current DOJ policy, if a law enforcement agency has information that indicates that an individual is prohibited from purchasing firearms under federal law, the agency may request that the FBI check whether the name appears in NICS records of allowed transfers. The FBI is considering actions that could partially mitigate the adverse effects of a next-day destruction policy on NICS operations. Finally, ATF headquarters officials told us that a next-day destruction policy would not affect ATF's ability to inspect gun dealer records. For example, under the proposed next-day destruction policy, NICS records of allowed firearms transfers would no longer be available for a detailed comparison with dealer records of the purportedly same transactions.
United States. General Accounting Office
2002-07
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U.S. Policy on Small Arms and Light Weapons
"This article reviews the development of U.S. policy on controlling the proliferation of small arms before, during, and after the 2001 United Nations Conference on the Illicit Trafficking of Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects. It chronicles the policy's evolution from the formulations of the William J. Clinton administration to those of its successor. It argues that despite this changing of the guard, the main tenets of the policy have remained largely unchanged, and that the United States has failed to take leadership on this issue, adopting instead a minimalist approach--and correspondingly small expenditures. […] This discussion also assesses how the aftermath of the 11 September 2001 attacks largely stalled, rather than stimulated, global progress and suggests that the connection between small arms proliferation and transnational threats, such as terrorism, has not been properly addressed. The article then turns to areas in which active U.S. involvement has, in contrast, proved fertile and yielded concrete results, including proposals aimed at fostering effective and enduring change--measures that, if properly developed and expanded, may offer a viable blueprint for a 2006 UN Review Conference on this issue. The article goes on to weigh the role and resonance of American domestic policies on gun control and to examine how the new national security doctrine is affecting, and will likely affect, the international debate on small arms. Finally, it looks at how the influence of American interest groups and policy circles has shaped and may continue to underpin U.S. perspective and interaction at the multilateral and bilateral levels."
Naval War College (U.S.). Press
Bondi, Loretta
2006
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Firearms Data: ATF Did Not Always Comply with the Appropriations Act Restriction and Should Better Adhere to Its Policies, Report to Congressional Requesters
From the highlights section in the document: "ATF [United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms] is responsible for enforcing certain criminal statutes related to firearms, and must balance its role in combatting the illegal use of firearms with protecting the privacy rights of law-abiding gun owners. As part of this balance, FFLs [Federal Firearms License] are required to maintain firearms transaction records, while ATF has the statutory authority to obtain these records under certain circumstances. ATF must also comply with an appropriations act provision that restricts the agency from using appropriated funds to consolidate or centralize FFL records. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review ATF's compliance with this restriction. This report (1) identifies the ATF data systems that contain retail firearms purchaser data and (2) determines whether selected ATF data systems comply with the appropriations act restriction and adhere to ATF policies. GAO reviewed ATF policy and program documents, observed use of data systems at NTC [National Tracing Center], reviewed a generalizable sample of one system's records, and interviewed ATF officials at headquarters and NTC. GAO recommends that ATF provide guidance to FFLs participating in A2K [Access 2000] on the provision of records to ATF when they go out of business; align system capability with ATF policy to limit access to FRNP [Firearm Recovery Notification Program] firearms purchaser information for ATF agents; and align timing and ATF policy for deleting MS [Multiple Sales] records. ATF concurred with our recommendations."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2016-06-30
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Democracy, National Security and Foreign Policy
"In the realm of todays inter-linkages, democracy and national security are closely interconnected. Democracy strengthens the societal foundation of national security. It energized both state and non-state actors to shape the construction of national security. It also promotes security with human faces that goes beyond gun powder. Foreign policy is a tool that could be used to promote democracy as a strategy for national and international security. While democracy is unfolding, foreign policy making becomes democratic in the sense that it includes the participation of civil society groups. This condition could help build foreign policy consensus. There is a sense of obligation that democracies should help other democracies or other emerging democracies in a just and equal way. Foreign policy could be functioned for that purpose."
National Defense University
Widjojo, Agus
2005
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U.S. Policy Need Not Be Silent on Small Arms
"The spread and misuse of small arms cause, prolong, and exacerbate humanitarian crises around the world. In the last few years, a growing international consensus has emerged that steps must be taken to avoid a world awash in small arms," says Rachel Stohl, a senior analyst at the Center for Defense Information, and chair of the U.S. Small Arms Working Group. She urges governments to "look to multilateralize' best practices and develop standards and norms to counter small arms proliferation and misuse." U.S. leadership on small arms issues is vital now more than ever. In the U.S. political sphere, however, small arms trafficking has not been a high priority. Often, policymakers are loathe to get involved in the issue of small arms proliferation because they regard it as an attempt to introduce domestic gun control, or they think the issue is too controversial. Others believe that there are other, more important issues to deal with. Policy options on small arms are abundant and can be implemented with relatively little cost while achieving large and tangible results. First, the United States should lead a moratorium on arms sales to all regions of conflict -- especially ongoing conflicts -- and work with other states to adopt similar moratoria. Second, a criterion outlined in the European Union (EU) Code of Conduct and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Document on Small Arms should be rigorously applied to international small arms exports. Third, the United States as well as other exporting nations should set an example by adopting a policy of export restraint that is designed to prevent diversion and dangerous weapons buildups, based on the existing U.S. policy to "audit, and if necessary, cut off " exports to a state if arms export license applications "exceed the normal, reasonable, domestic needs of a given importing country or show other abnormalities." Fourth, the State Department should ask for, and Congress should grant, continued and increased funding for small arms destruction programs and continued cooperation on weapons destruction and stockpile management, in order to help destroy surplus weapons that would otherwise cascade to regions of conflict. Fifth, the State Department should develop an information-sharing mechanism on United Nations arms embargoes, either within the United Nations or in regional fora. Sixth, the State Department should advocate immediate Senate ratification of the Organization of American States (OAS) convention on small arms trafficking. All of these steps will lead to progress on the issue, but the U.S. government cannot do the work to counter small arms proliferation and misuse alone.
United States. Department of State
Stohl, Rachel J.
2001-06
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Authority of the President to Restrict Munitions Imports Under the Arms Export Control Act: Memorandum Opinion for the Special Assistant to the President and Legal Advisor to the National Security Council [February 9, 1996]
"This letter addresses and explains the basis for the oral advice that we provided in early April 1995 regarding the President's authority under the Arms Export Control Act, 22 U.S.C. §§ 2751-2799aa-2, ('AECA') to restrict the import of certain munitions from the Russian Federation in furtherance of United States foreign policy. The question arises in connection with the Administration's plan, as part of a general program of eliminating Cold War restrictions on trade and economic cooperation with Russia, to take steps to remove Russia from the International Traffic in Arms Regulations ('ITAR') list, which provides that it is the policy of the United States to deny licenses for the import of defense articles originating in certain countries, including Russia. […] Russia's presence on the ITAR list means American businesses are not granted licenses necessary to import Russian munitions. Once Russia is off the ITAR list, there would be no general prohibition on gun imports from Russia. We understand that the issue concerns the negotiation of voluntary export restraints with Russia to ensure that, once Russia is removed from the ITAR list, munitions imports from Russia would not jeopardize public safety. The question has been raised whether the President possesses authority under the AECA to limit the import of munitions from Russia. We have concluded that restricting the import of Russian munitions to certain classes of firearms and ammunition is a legitimate use of the President's authority under the AECA to restrict the import of munitions in furtherance of United States foreign policy."
United States. Department of Justice. Office of Legal Counsel
1996-02-09
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Assessing Chinese Intentions for the Military Use of the Space Domain
From the thesis abstract: "The continuing rise of Chinese political and military power has made Americans suspicious of China's intentions in the space domain. For many in the American defense community, the 2007 Anti-Satellite (ASAT) test was the smoking gun that proved China's ultimate desire to challenge American space dominance. Other experts, however, have proposed a more benign intent behind such actions, leading to vigorous debates over Chinese motives and the appropriate American responses. How can American policymakers decipher Chinese intentions for space to craft sound defense policy? This monograph proposes that to understand Chinese intentions, it is necessary to examine the current schools of military thought vying for influence within China's policymaking apparatus. […] The three schools of thought are broadly categorized as the People's War school, Local War school, and Revolution of Military Affairs school. In theory, each school will support the development of distinctive technology, doctrine, and organization of the military. These developments will produce capabilities that inform the strategic posture of China vis-à-vis its potential adversaries. Each school of thought will also be concerned about the domestic impact of military space policy to different degrees. The monograph analyzes China's military space policy by using these criteria of 'strategic military posture' and 'societal impact.' The examination of two Chinese space programs, the Anti-Satellite program and the manned space program, shows the dominant influence of the Local War school of thought. This informs the nature of Chinese intentions for the military use of space and possible ramifications for the American military."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. School of Advanced Military Studies
Oh, Paul S.
2011-05-19?
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Destroying Excess Small Arms: U.S. Policy and Programs
"While robust export controls and enforcement are critical elements in the effort to curb illicit trafficking in small arms and light weapons (SA/LW), the simplest and most reliable way to prevent proliferation of illicit arms is through proper stockpile management and expeditious destruction of excess," says C. Edward Peartree, Policy Officer, Office of Policy, Plans & Analysis, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, U.S. Department of State. "Taking up this global problem, the State Department, working with the Department of Defense, has dedicated funding and expertise to assisting countries in improving stockpile management practices and destroying excess SA/LW." The principal source of destabilizing accumulations of small arms and light weapons (SA/LW) in many regions of the world is not new production but re-circulated stocks of surplus military weapons. Cold War stocks the countries of Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union, often poorly secured and susceptible to theft or illegal transfer, have been a source of arms for regional criminal organizations and violent terrorist groups. Ex-Warsaw Pact militaries eager to upgrade to NATO standards have dumped large numbers of infantry rifles, machine guns, and light weapons such as rocket propelled grenade launchers (RPGs) onto the global market. Sales of surplus arms, often to undesirable end-users such as insurgent groups or warring governments under international embargo, have proven a ready source of revenue for cash-poor developing countries. The United States continues to expand its small arms destruction program. Projects are currently under discussion in the Balkans, Latin America, Africa, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia. In addition to an ongoing partnership with Norway and Germany in Albania, the United States seeks joint ventures with other interested donor countries and organizations. U.S. support for destruction of surplus and illicit small arms and light weapons are intended to promote regional security, peace, and reconciliation in regions of conflict. The unchecked proliferation of these arms threatens civilians, peacekeepers, and law enforcement officials, and complicates the work of rebuilding war torn societies and regions. Given that destruction is relatively inexpensive (costing generally between $1-5 per weapon destroyed) and can generally be accomplished using locally available infrastructure (a variety of cheap methods are viable) and personnel, the program offers large dividends in threat reduction for a modest initial investment.
United States. Department of State
Peartree, C. Edward
2001-06
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Review of the Department of Justice's and ATF's Implementation of Recommendations Contained in the OIG's Report on Operations Fast and Furious and Wide Receiver
"In September 2012, the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) issued a
471-page report that described the findings of our review of two Bureau of
Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) firearms trafficking
investigations, one code named 'Operation Fast and Furious' and the other
'Operation Wide Receiver.' Our review identified serious management flaws in
both investigations and we made six recommendations to address the
deficiencies we found. We requested that the Department of Justice
(Department or DOJ) examine ATF's law enforcement policies to ensure that
they comply with the Department's guidelines and policies, and evaluate the
sufficiency of ATF's case review procedures for matters that present heightened
risk to the public or agents. We also believed that ATF should institute training;
we requested the Department work with ATF to develop guidance on how agents
should investigate gun trafficking organizations. [...] In this follow-up review we evaluated the Department's efforts to
implement our recommendations. We determined that four of the six
recommendations can be closed. The two remaining recommendations have
been resolved, but additional work needs to be completed in order for them to
be closed."
United States. Department of Justice. Office of the Inspector General
2016-02
