A Gun Control Survey - From our men & women in blue

[PASE717]

A report and survey that I think everyone needs to read:

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PoliceOne has scored a major scoop in police journalism by conducting a survey of more than 15,000 law enforcers regarding their thoughts on gun control in America.

These men and women — most of whom actually work the street — have a front row seat to see gun violence in America. They put their lives at risk when they do their jobs, actually coming face-to-face with violent encounters involving firearms.

And when it comes to finding ways to reduce gun violence and large scale shootings, most cops say a federal ban on so-called “assault weapons” isn’t the answer.

More than 91 percent of respondents say it would either have no effect or a negative effect in reducing violent crime. This is an overwhelming response by those whose job it is to actually deal with this issue on the front lines.

Instead, it is interesting to note that armed citizens show up frequently as a deciding factor in reducing the carnage from a mass murder situation; proactive choices dominate over gun and magazine restrictions and bans.

More than 91 percent of respondents support the concealed carry of firearms by civilians who have not been convicted of a felony and/or not been deemed psychologically/medically incapable.

A full 86 percent feel that casualties would have been reduced or avoided in recent tragedies like Newtown and Aurora if a legally-armed citizen was present (casualties reduced: 80 percent; avoided altogether: 60 percent).

For those who chose the option of casualties being avoided altogether, I took this to mean the deterrent effect of a show of force prior to an event would stop a potential predator from carrying out his murderous intent in the first place.

What checks the sociopath from completing his act is fear. Fear of the unknown or known gun carrier who is going to punch his ticket to hell right then and right there. This has an immediate effect on reducing violent criminal activity.

Cops on the street know the value of officer presence and being ready to go. Criminals see it too, and stay in check. I know from my own street experience how being in shape, being well prepared along with a sharp uniform appearance kept things from escalating time and time again.

More than 81 percent of respondents were in favor of arming teachers and school administrators if they were properly trained and vetted or at least proficient.

Yet, with a few notable exceptions, most teachers and school officials are opposed to this measure. Overcoming this kind of resistance will be a major roadblock to making our schools safer.

In addition, the survey asked, “On a scale of one to five — one being low and five being high — how important do you think legally-armed citizens are to reducing crime rates overall?”

Three quarters of you (75 percent) answered either four or five, with more than 50 percent answering five.

What would help most in preventing large scale shootings in public? The most popular answer among respondents – at 29 percent – was “more permissive concealed carry policies for civilians,” while 20 percent choose “more-aggressive institutionalization for mentally ill persons.”

More armed guards/paid security personnel (16 percent) and improved background screening to determine mental wellness of gun purchasers (14 percent) were the other two preventative measures most selected in the poll.

Clearly we have a majority of our gun carrying, member officers who feel that armed citizens are an asset in reducing violent crime and not a liability. This will be refreshing news for armed citizens who wonder about police attitudes in general on concealed carry.

From all ranks, from Sheriffs and Chiefs on down, the vast majority (95 percent) say a federal ban on the manufacture and sale of ammunition magazines that hold more than 10 rounds would not reduce violent crime.

This is in sharp contrast to my own home state of Colorado, where the Colorado Association of Chiefs of Police stood in support of the magazine ban and other restrictions while many Sheriffs bluntly said in the press that they would not enforce any bans on magazines or so called assault weapons.

I will allow myself one personal observation. If you want to disarm yourself, that is your choice. The following quote is a favorite of mine and something to keep in mind when you make that choice.

“Sheep don’t tell wolves what’s for dinner.”

Story Link: http://www.policeone.com/Gun-Legisla...-gun-violence/

Complete Survey Results Link: http://www.policeone.com/news/618846...utive-Summary/

[rckeystone]

PoliceOne’s Gun Policy & Law Enforcement survey was conducted between March 4 and March 13, 2013, receiving 15,595 responses from verified police professionals across all ranks and department sizes.

http://ddq74coujkv1i.cloudfront.net/...mmary_2013.pdf

I find the results a bit encouraging particularly #'s 14, 15 & 16

[libra8]

#9 disturbs me. The 2nd amendment says nothing about this.

[ray h]

I bet if they poled known criminals, 91% would be for an all out gun ban and stricker carrying laws.

Yeah....Lets do what THE CRIMNALS want.......

[gummy jones]

great find bud. although not all good it certainly shows that the people these laws are aiming to protect do not agree with them.

[Itchy]

A great article. Thanks!

[jw34]

Agreed 100%. There are times when PD manpower is lacking, especially in these times of strict budgets. Police manpower is being cut, vacancies are not being filled, so that the municipality can save money. Many times, police are miles away when the call comes in from dispatch, which is usually a minute or two after dispatchers received the 911 call.
Nothing but respect and thanks for the armed citizen who can prevent or control the situation til we get there.
Thank the law-makers and politicians for reducing manpower levels to save money. Yet they hire high price lawyers and consultants to do call volume and manpower studies.

[JW1914]

Maybe deep down lots of cops know that if something bad happens and some armed criminals get the advantage over them and their back up is 5 minutes away they know that the only possible thing that could help save their life is an armed citizen coming to their aid. An unarmed citizen sure as hell wouldnt try to save a cop from 3 gun/knife/club wielding mad men.

[ForeverPA]

Problem is the public won't see this survey. What the do see is Ramsey.