NCJ Number
157131
Date Published
1995
Length
57 pages
Annotation
The Violence Policy Center tested the contention by supporters of repealing the 1994 Federal ban on the manufacture and sale of assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines that these products are rarely used in crime and do not pose a threat to public safety or law enforcement personnel.
Abstract
Data were obtained from newspaper reports across the United States on criminal incidents involving assault weapons between February 15 and July 15, 1995. The survey found that 43 law enforcement officers were involved in 20 separate incidents in which they were confronted by assault weapons, some of which were equipped with high-capacity ammunition magazines. Eight police officers were killed by assault weapons, and nine others were wounded. Twelve incidents involved either AK-47 assault rifles or TEC-9 assault pistols, both of which are banned by Federal legislation. Survey findings indicate that assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines pose a demonstrable threat to police officer safety. Public support for repeal of the assault weapon ban is discussed, and incidents in which police were confronted with assault weapons are listed. The role of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms in tracing firearms recovered at crime scenes is examined. Newspaper articles on assault weapon attacks involving police officers are appended.