Chicago
police confirm 'tragic number' of 500 homicides, on December 28th. The Los
Angeles Homicide Map shows 517 deaths
by December 9th. NYC murders reach record low in 2012 with 414 homicides.
The vast majority of these were committed by the deadly force involving a firearm.
Three
major metropolitan areas, three separate states and significantly different gun
control policies. Which one offers the
greatest protection to its citizens through the strict control of gun
ownership, registration and use? Hmmmm,
lets see.
Starting
in reverse order. Frequently asked questions about NY State Gun Control
Laws. In summary, NYC requires all rifles,
shotguns and pistols to be licensed and registered, and their owners must have
a permit to carry them. There is up to a
six-month wait to acquire a permit to purchase a handgun.
About.com
in its page, What are the gun laws in California? says California residents do not need to register or
license rifles and shotguns, but do need to register handguns. A concealed carry permit is required. A 10-day waiting period before delivery of a
firearm is required. Additionally there are a variety of laws in place dealing
with minors and felons possession of firearms.
Finally,
About.com
shows that Illinois has, by far, the most restrictive laws, especially when you
are in Chicago. A firearms owner
identification (FOID) card is required to purchase and carry rifles, shotguns
and pistols. Chicago requires all
firearms be registered with them.
Carrying a concealed weapon is prohibited entirely. A 24-hour waiting period is required for a
rifle or shotgun and a 72-hour wait is required for a pistol. The seller of a firearm must retain a record
of the transfer for 10 years. You cannot
possess either guns or ammunition without a FOID. There are also laws dealing with the issues
of juvenile possession, and child access, as well as by felons and those with
mental defect.
So
of the three areas in question, NYC’s laws seem the simplest, yet
it has the lowest homicide rate? On
simple comparison there does not seem to be a direct correlation between the
number of laws and restrictions associated with gun ownership and the safety of
the population at large. It appears that
those using firearms don’t seem too interested in complying with the laws as
currently written. So can someone in
favor of more laws and restrictions just explain to me how the new laws will
improve safety, if the real issue seems to be one of criminal non-compliance with the existing ones?
1 comment:
I like to think the NYC/Chicago disparity has to do with enforcement in homogeneous culture zones. Look at demographic info for the homicide data in NYC and Chicago. Then, check how felonies are investigated and adjudicated. Go get data in Philly, too. It's by cultures.
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