NCJ Number
110296
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 55 Issue: 3 Dated: (March 1988) Pages: 21-24
Date Published
1988
Length
4 pages
Annotation
In presenting the official position of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) on effective firearms management, this article compiles formal resolutions approved and adopted by the IACP membership in accordance with the organization's constitution.
Abstract
IACP's position on firearms management reflects its support for the right of lawabiding citizens to have firearms for legitimate sporting, recreational, law enforcement, and private security uses. This principle, however, does not imply or compel the unfettered proliferation of firearms among the citizenry. The IACP supports a Federal nationwide screening program for handgun purchasers and the prohibition of the manufacture, sale, importation, and distribution of plastic guns, which is a nondetectable firearm. The IACP's chief concern with this type of weapon is its potential use by international terrorists and political assassins, who can carry such guns undetected past airport security checkpoints. The IACP also believes that the restrictions on private ownership of machine guns established by Public Law 99-308 are necessary to ensure the safety of citizens.