Law Enforcement Opinion on the Ban of Assault Weapons: Review of Literature

There is a divide in the United States on the issue of assault weapons bans, but law enforcement leadership generally leans towards supporting such bans. Here’s a breakdown of key points to consider in your review:

Support for a Ban:

• International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP): A strong supporter since 1992, the IACP argues assault weapons endanger officers and communities [1]. They point to the effectiveness of the 1994 federal ban in reducing assault weapon use in crimes [1].
• Police Chief Magazine: Editorials highlight the deadliness of assault weapons designed for rapid fire and the success of the prior ban [2].

Arguments for the Ban:

• Reduced Mass Shootings: Proponents believe bans can decrease the lethality of mass shootings by limiting access to high-capacity magazines and rapid-fire weapons.
• Officer Safety: Law enforcement faces a higher risk when encountering criminals wielding assault weapons.
• Public Safety: A significant portion of the public supports a ban, reflecting a desire for safer communities.

Points to Consider:

• Effectiveness of Bans: The impact of the 1994 ban is debated. Some argue it only targeted cosmetic features, while others point to a decrease in assault weapon crimes [1, 2].
• Second Amendment Concerns: Opponents argue bans infringe on the right to bear arms guaranteed by the Second Amendment.
• Alternative Measures: Some advocate for stricter background checks, mental health initiatives, and focusing on illegal gun acquisition.

Finding More Information:

• Search for scholarly articles using keywords like “assault weapons ban,” “law enforcement,” and “gun control.”
• Look for reports by the IACP and other law enforcement organizations.
• Explore government websites like the Bureau of Justice Statistics for data on gun violence.

Remember, a good review presents both sides of the argument fairly. Aim to analyze the credibility and potential biases of the sources you find.