NCJ Number
94145
Journal
Journal of Police Science and Administration Volume: 12 Issue: 2 Dated: (June 1984) Pages: 157-163
Date Published
1984
Length
7 pages
Annotation
Ninety-nine police officers who were surveyed about gun control tended to favor handgun registration or owner licensing, but uniformly opposed the idea of civilians being prohibited from owning handguns.
Abstract
The study group was a random selection from all active law enforcement officers in Hillsborough County (Florida). The officers strongly supported mandatory waiting periods prior to the purchase of a handgun as well as stringent enforcement of existing handgun laws. The officers who reported themselves as being most proficient with service weapons were the most strongly in favor of eliminating the 'Saturday Night Special.' A significantly greater proportion of officers who owned several guns were opposed to both handgun registration and owner licensing. The gun owners also felt that the Constitution prohibits strong handgun laws and that they would not vote for a political candidate advocating handgun control. These attitudes contrasted with those of the officers who did not own nonservice weapons. Gun ownership was the most important factor identified in the study in terms of connection with attitudes. One data table and eight references are included.