We Need More Gun Control!

Or do we?  For those of you in law enforcement or with family members who serve, you may already be familiar with policeone.com.  Far too many people believe we need stricter (and more) gun control without having any idea of what they speak.  Who better to opine about this topic than law enforcement?  In March of 2013, more than 15,000 verified law enforcement professionals took part in this survey - and the results are stunning.  Keep in mind that 70% of respondents are field-level officers - those who are fact-to-face in the fight against violent crime on a daily basis - not office-bound, non-sworn administrators or perpetually-campaigning elected officials.  The results are stunning:

1) Virtually all respondents (95%) say that a federal ban on manufacture and sale of ammunition magazines that hold more than 10 rounds would NOT reduce violent crime.

2) The majority of respondents (71%) say a federal ban on the manufacturer and sale of some semi-automatics would have no effect on reducing violent crime.  However, more than 20% say any ban would actually have a negative effect on reducing crime.

3) More than 28% of officers say having more permissive concealed carry policies for civilians would help most in preventing large scale shootings in public.

4) The overwhelming majority (90%) of officers believe that casualities would be decreased if armed citizens were present at the onset of an active-shooter incident.

5) More than 80% of respondents support arming school teachers and administrators who willingly volunteer to train with firearms and carry one in the course of the job.

6) More than 80% of respondents say that gun-buyback programs are ineffective in reducing gun violence.

7) 38% of respondents believe that gun violence in the U.S. stems from a decline in parenting and family values.  Only 14% believe it is based on pop culture.

Bottom Line Conclusions

Quite clearly, the majority of officers polled oppose the theories brought forth by gun-control advocates who claim that proposed restrictions on weapon capabilities and production would reduce crime.

Contrary to what the mainstream media and certain politicians would have us believe, police overwhelmingly favor an armed citizenry, would like to see more guns in the hands of responsible people, and are skeptical of any greater restrictions placed on gun purchases, ownership, or accessibility.

You can agree, or disagree, but a study of this magnitude has never taken place - specifically asking the people who deal with violent criminals day in, and day out.

Do any of these statistics really surprise you?  For the complete study, go to http://www.policeone.com/Gun-Legislation-Law-Enforcement/articles/6183787-PoliceOnes-Gun-Control-Survey-11-key-lessons-from-officers-perspectives/.