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Amy Thompson, MS&Ed1, James H. Price, PhD, MPH2, Joseph A. Dake, PhD, MPH3, Thomas Tatchell, PhD2, and David Baker, PhD4. (1) Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Sport, Mississippi State University, P.O. Box 6186, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39762, (662) 325-7232, athompson@colled.msstate.edu, (2) Department of Public Health, University of Toledo, 2801 W. Bancroft, Toledo, OH 43606, (3) Department of HPER - Matthaei, Wayne State University, 424 west summit st, Detroit, MI 48202, (4) Department of Criminology, University of Toledo, 2801 W. Bancroft, Toledo, OH 43606
Police Chiefs Perceptions of the Regulation of Firearms
Abstract
Purpose: To assess police chiefs support for firearm control policies and if they are currently involved in enacting various firearm control measures. Police chiefs are in a position to be involved in positive changes regarding firearm control policy.
Methods: 600 police chiefs were randomly selected from cities with populations greater than 25,000 during 2002-2003. A four-page, 26 item survey instrument was developed to assess respondents, likelihood of firearm policy support, interest, exposure, and involvement with firearm control advocacy. To assess content validity, three experts in survey research and three experts in public policy/law enforcement reviewed the questionnaire. Stability reliability of the instrument was determined through test/retest (n=14; r= .61). The questionnaire was mailed using a three wave mailing procedure.
Results: 374 police chiefs completed and returned the survey for a response rate of 63%. Overall, there was support for the majority of firearm policies proposed. 62% of respondents agreed that the government should do everything it can to keep handguns away from criminals even if it is necessary to make it more difficult for law-abiding citizens to purchase handguns. Firearm policy advocacy efforts was moderate with 35% expressing an interest to join a coalition and 53% indicating that they would meet with a legislator on this issue.
Conclusions: Overall, the majority of police chiefs support firearm control policies. Involvement with firearm control advocacy efforts should be increased with police chiefs.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to
Keywords: Firearms, Policy/Policy Development
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.