NCJ Number
178624
Date Published
1998
Length
45 pages
Annotation
This report presents findings from surveys that explored public opinion on issues pertinent to the gun violence problem.
Abstract
This report uses data primarily from the 1997-98 National Gun Policy Survey and the 1996 National Gun Policy Survey. These are national, random-digit dial, telephone surveys of adults living in households with phones. The survey findings show that there was widespread public support for the regulation of firearms. Majorities backed 8 of 11 general measure to regulate guns. Only policies that call for the general prohibition of guns were opposed. Support for safety-related measures was even stronger than for the general policies. Two-thirds to more than 90 percent endorsed all safety-related items. The public wanted to prevent even minor criminals from purchasing guns. From 71 percent to 89 percent wanted to prohibit those convicted of crimes such as driving while intoxicated and domestic violence from buying a gun. The public was willing to pay more in taxes and higher prices to reduce gun violence and improve gun safety. Gun owners were much less likely to favor the regulation of firearms than were non-gun owners, but even among gun owners support for controls were high. A majority of gun owners endorsed 5 of 11 general regulation measures, all 7 safety policies, and all 5 prohibitions on criminals purchasing guns. Support for gun control was also lower among those who did not view crime as a serious problem, who opposed government action in general, and who viewed guns as promoting safety. Women were much less likely to own or use guns than were men, and they were more concerned about gun safety and more supportive of all measures to control firearms. 14 tables and 58 references