Effectiveness of denial of handgun purchase to persons believed to be at high risk for firearm violence

Am J Public Health. 1999 Jan;89(1):88-90. doi: 10.2105/ajph.89.1.88.

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine whether denial of handgun purchase is an effective violence prevention strategy.

Methods: Individuals denied handgun purchase because of a prior felony conviction and handgun purchasers with a felony arrest at time of purchase were examined.

Results: Relative to those denied purchase, handgun purchasers were found to be at greater risk for subsequent offenses involving a gun (relative risk [RR] = 1.21, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.08, 1.36) or violence (RR = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.11, 1.39), after adjustment for number of prepurchase weapon/violence charges.

Conclusions: Denial of handgun purchase to persons with a prior felony conviction may lower their rate of subsequent criminal activity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • California
  • Female
  • Firearms / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Firearms / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Marketing of Health Services / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Marketing of Health Services / statistics & numerical data
  • Ownership / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Ownership / statistics & numerical data
  • Primary Prevention / methods
  • Program Evaluation
  • Risk Factors
  • Sex Factors
  • Violence / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Violence / prevention & control*
  • Violence / psychology*
  • Violence / statistics & numerical data