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Northern Mariana Islands — Gun Facts, Figures and the Law

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StockpilesGun Numbers

Civilian Guns

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Number of Privately Owned Firearms

ChartThe estimated total number of guns (both licit and illicit) held by civilians in the Northern Mariana Islands is

2017: 1,0001
2002: 1,9902

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Rate of Civilian Firearm Possession per 100 Population

ChartThe estimated rate of private gun ownership (both licit and illicit) per 100 people in the Northern Mariana Islands is

2017: 2.601
2002: 2.552

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Number of Registered Firearms

The number of registered guns in the Northern Mariana Islands is reported to be

2002: 1,9902

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Rate of Registered Firearms per 100 Population

The rate of registered guns per 100 people in the Northern Mariana Islands is

2002: 2.523

Government Guns

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Number of Law Enforcement Firearms

Police in the Northern Mariana Islands are reported to have 804 firearms

ProductionGun Industry

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Regulation of Firearm Makers

In the Northern Mariana Islands, the manufacture of small arms, ammunition and/or their components is permitted only if the maker holds a valid licence5 6

TransfersGun Trade and Trafficking

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Firearm Exports

In the Northern Mariana Islands, firearm and ammunition exports are limited by transfer control law7

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Firearm Imports

In the Northern Mariana Islands, firearm and ammunition imports are limited by transfer control law7 8

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Small Arms Imports (US$) - Customs

The annual value of small arms and ammunition imports to the Northern Mariana Islands is reported by Customs to be US$21,5159 (2011)

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Smuggling Guns and Ammunition

Reports suggest that the level of firearm and ammunition smuggling in the Northern Mariana Islands is moderate10

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Regulation of Arms Brokers

In the Northern Mariana Islands, the activities of arms brokers and transfer intermediaries are not specifically regulated by law11

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End User Certificates

Customs regulations in the Northern Mariana Islands do not include11 certification of the intended end user of any small arms or ammunition transfer, and/or a written declaration of its intended end use

MeasuresGun Regulation

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Firearm Regulation - Guiding Policy

The regulation of guns in the Northern Mariana Islands is categorised as permissive12

Firearm Law

Guiding gun control legislation in the Northern Mariana Islands includes the Commonwealth Weapons Control Act13 14

Firearm Regulation Authority

Guns in the Northern Mariana Islands are regulated by the Department of Public Safety15

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Right to Possess Firearms

In the Northern Mariana Islands, the right to private gun ownership is conditionally guaranteed by the US Constitution,16 as limited by federal law17 and state law14

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Restricted Firearms and Ammunition

In the Northern Mariana Islands, civilians are not allowed to possess all firearms other than .22 calibre rifles and .410 gauge shotguns18

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Regulation of Automatic Weapons

In the Northern Mariana Islands, private possession of fully automatic weapons is prohibited18

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Regulation of Semiautomatic Assault Weapons

In the Northern Mariana Islands, private possession of semi-automatic assault weapons is prohibited18

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Regulation of Handguns

In the Northern Mariana Islands, private possession of handguns (pistols and revolvers) is prohibited18

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Gun Ownership and Possession

In the Northern Mariana Islands, only licensed gun owners15 19 may lawfully acquire, possess or transfer a firearm or ammunition

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Genuine Reason Required for Firearm Possession

Applicants for a gun owner’s licence in the Northern Mariana Islands are not required to establish a genuine reason to possess a firearm15 11

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Minimum Age for Firearm Possession

The minimum age for gun ownership in the Northern Mariana Islands is 21 years19

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Gun Owner Background Checks

An applicant for a firearm licence in the Northern Mariana Islands must pass a background check which considers undefined15 records

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Reference Required for Firearm Licence

In the Northern Mariana Islands, third party character references for each gun licence applicant are not required11

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Domestic Violence and Firearms

Where a past history, or apprehended likelihood of family violence exists, the law in the Northern Mariana Islands does not stipulate11 that a gun licence should be denied or revoked

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Firearm Safety Training

In the Northern Mariana Islands, an understanding of firearm safety and the law, tested in a theoretical and/or practical training course is required20 for a firearm licence

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Limit on Number of Guns

Licensed firearm owners in the Northern Mariana Islands are permitted to possess any number of permitted firearms11

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Limit on Quantity, Type of Ammunition

Licensed firearm owners in the Northern Mariana Islands are permitted to possess any quantity of ammunition11

Firearm Registration

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Civilian Gun Registration

In the Northern Mariana Islands, the law requires21 that a record of the acquisition, possession and transfer of each privately held firearm be retained in an official register

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Gun Dealer Record Keeping

In the Northern Mariana Islands, licensed firearm dealers are required21 to keep a record of each firearm or ammunition purchase, sale or transfer on behalf of a regulating authority

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Gun Manufacturer Record Keeping

In the Northern Mariana Islands, licensed gun makers are not required11 to keep a record of each firearm produced, for inspection by a regulating authority

Gun Sales and Transfers

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Regulation of Private Gun Sales

In the Northern Mariana Islands, the private sale and transfer of firearms is prohibited without prior approval from the Department of Public Safety22 23

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Regulation of Dealer Gun Sales

In the Northern Mariana Islands, dealing in firearms by way of business without a valid gun dealer’s licence is unlawful22 23 24

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Waiting Period for Gun Possession

In the Northern Mariana Islands, the minimum wait for a lawful firearm purchase to be completed is 15 days15

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Regulation of Gun Shows

In the Northern Mariana Islands, gun shows and temporary firearm dealing events are not regulated11 in law

Storage and Transport of Guns and Ammunition

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Firearm and Ammunition Storage Regulations - Private

Firearm regulations in the Northern Mariana Islands include25 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of private firearms and ammunition by licensed gun owners

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Firearm and Ammunition Storage Regulations - Dealer

Firearm regulations in the Northern Mariana Islands include24 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of firearms and ammunition by licensed arms dealers

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Firearm and Ammunition Transport Regulations

Regulations in the Northern Mariana Islands include8 26 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of firearms and ammunition while in transit

Carrying Guns

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Carrying Guns Openly in Public

In the Northern Mariana Islands, carrying a firearm in plain view in a public place is prohibited26

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Carrying Hidden Handguns in Public

In the Northern Mariana Islands, carrying a concealed firearm in a public place is prohibited26

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Penalty for Illicit Firearm Possession

In the Northern Mariana Islands, the maximum penalty for unlawful possession of a firearm27 is up to five years in prison and/or a fine of up to $5,00028

MeasuresInternational Controls

United Nations Membership

In the UN List of Member States, the Northern Mariana Islands are not a Member State of the United Nations29

Wassenaar Arrangement

The Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls and Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies does not list30 the Northern Mariana Islands as a Participating State

BackgroundSustainable Development Goal Profile

Link
About SDG 16

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are 17 goals set by the United Nations to be implemented by all member states by 2030. Adopted in 2015, they outline a vision of development in which peace and security are an integral part. SDG 16,31 which seeks to “promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development,” includes targets and indicators focused on reducing violence (Target 16.1) and the proliferation of illicit arms (Target 16.4). The indicators – or measurement criteria – of these targets include the number of victims of intentional homicide (Indicator 16.1.1), the number of conflict-related deaths (Indicator 16.1.2), and the number of illicit firearms collected and traced (Indicator 16.4.2). In light of these targets and indicators, GunPolicy.org provides granular national data pertaining to homicides, gun homicides, conflict deaths, disarmament efforts, and marking and tracing.

Disarmament

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Destruction and Disposal Policy

In the Northern Mariana Islands, it is not state policy11 to destroy surplus, collected and seized firearms rather than return them to the secondary arms market

Marking and Tracing

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Firearm Marking

In the Northern Mariana Islands, a unique identifying mark on each firearm is required by law5

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Firearm Tracing

In the Northern Mariana Islands, state authorities do not carry out11 recognised arms tracing and tracking procedures

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Ballistic Record of Firearms and Ammunition

In the Northern Mariana Islands, the ballistic characteristics of each civilian firearm and its ammunition are not originally11 recorded in a register

Link
Global Peace Index

To see where the Northern Mariana Islands ranks, select the Link icon to open an external web page at the Global Peace Index, and then click on the Northern Mariana Islands on the map or in the "Select Country" menu on the right of the web page

Short References

1.

Karp, Aaron.2018.‘Civilian Firearms Holdings, 2017.’ Estimating Global Civilian-Held Firearms Numbers.Geneva:Small Arms Survey, the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva,18 June. (Q13434)Full Citation

2.

Tebuteb, Ramon and Liberty Dones.2005.‘Probe Firearm Permits.’ Saipan Tribune.Guam:1 May. (Q773)Full Citation

3.

GunPolicy.org.2011.‘Calculated Rates - Northern Mariana Islands.’ Historical Population Data - USCB International Data Base.Suitland, MD:US Census Bureau Population Division,22 August. (Q4273)Full Citation

4.

Karp, Aaron.2018.‘Law Enforcement Firearms Holdings, 2017.’ Estimating Global Law Enforcement Firearms Numbers.Geneva:Small Arms Survey, the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva,18 June. (Q13435)Full Citation

5.

CNMI.2003.‘Manufacturers and Wholesalers.’ Division 2 Contraband Offences: Chapter 2 Weapons Control: Article 1 Weapons Control Act.Saipan:Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands,5 December. (Q790)Full Citation

6.

CNMI.2003.‘Manufacture, Sale or Possession of Firearms and Dangerous Devices.’ Division 2 Contraband Offences: Chapter 2 Weapons Control: Article 1 Weapons Control Act.Saipan:Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands,5 December. (Q781)Full Citation

7.

CNMI.2003.‘Shipment and Delivery of Firearms, Dangerous Devices, and Ammunition.’ Division 2 Contraband Offences: Chapter 2 Weapons Control: Article 1 Weapons Control Act.Saipan:Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands,5 December. (Q788)Full Citation

8.

CNMI.2003.‘New Residents, Temporary Residents and Visitors to the Commonwealth.’ Division 2 Contraband Offences: Chapter 2 Weapons Control: Article 1 Weapons Control Act.Saipan:Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands,5 December. (Q794)Full Citation

9.

Marsh, Nicholas.2014.‘Database of Authorised Transfers of Small Arms and Light Weapons.’ NISAT Small Arms Trade Database.Oslo:Norwegian Initiative on Small Arms Transfers,22 December. (Q16)Full Citation

10.

Ferdie Dela Torre. 2006. ‘Search Warrant Covers House of Acting Police Director.’ Saipan Tribune (Northern Marianas). 13 February. (N77) Full Citation

11.

Northern Mariana Islands.2003.‘Short Title.’ Division 2 Contraband Offences: Chapter 2 Weapons Control: Article 1 Weapons Control Act.Saipan:Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands,5 December. (Q4919)Full Citation

12.

Newton, George D and Franklin E Zimring.1969.‘Firearm Licensing: Permissive v Restrictive.’ Firearms & Violence in American Life: A staff report submitted to the National Commission on the Causes and Prevention of Violence.Washington, DC:US Government Printing Office,1 January. (Q22)Full Citation

13.

Northern Mariana Islands.2003.‘Short Title.’ Division 2 Contraband Offences: Chapter 2 Weapons Control: Article 1 Weapons Control Act.Saipan:Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands,5 December. (Q4918)Full Citation

14.

CNMI.2003.‘Local Laws.’ Division 2 Contraband Offences: Chapter 2 Weapons Control: Article 1 Weapons Control Act.Saipan:Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands,5 December. (Q775)Full Citation

15.

CNMI.2003.‘Identification Cards.’ Division 2 Contraband Offences: Chapter 2 Weapons Control: Article 1 Weapons Control Act.Saipan:Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands,5 December. (Q776)Full Citation

16.

USA.1791.‘Second Amendment to the Constitution.’ Constitution of the United States, The Bill of Rights.Washington, DC:Congress of the United States of America,15 December. (Q1954)Full Citation

17.

Scalia, J.2008.‘District of Columbia et al. v. Heller.’ Certiorari to the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.Washington, DC:Supreme Court of the United States,26 June. (Q8502)Full Citation

18.

CNMI.2003.‘Prohibited Acts.’ Division 2 Contraband Offences: Chapter 2 Weapons Control: Article 1 Weapons Control Act.Saipan:Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands,5 December. (Q782)Full Citation

19.

CNMI.2003.‘Identification Card Prerequisite to Purchase, Possession, and Use; Prima Facie Evidence of Possession.’ Division 2 Contraband Offences: Chapter 2 Weapons Control: Article 1 Weapons Control Act.Saipan:Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands,5 December. (Q778)Full Citation

20.

CNMI.2005.‘Mandatory Firearms Safety Education.’ Public Law 14-51: Mandatory Firearms Safety Education Act.Saipan:Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands,14 January. (Q785)Full Citation

21.

CNMI.2003.‘Records and Reports by Dealers.’ Division 2 Contraband Offences: Chapter 2 Weapons Control: Article 1 Weapons Control Act.Saipan:Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands,5 December. (Q786)Full Citation

22.

CNMI.2003.‘Private Sales or Transfers.’ Division 2 Contraband Offences: Chapter 2 Weapons Control: Article 1 Weapons Control Act.Saipan:Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands,5 December. (Q787)Full Citation

23.

CNMI.2003.‘License for Transfer.’ Division 2 Contraband Offences: Chapter 2 Weapons Control: Article 1 Weapons Control Act.Saipan:Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands,5 December. (Q795)Full Citation

24.

CNMI.2003.‘License for Transfer; Display; Conduct of Dealer's Business.’ Division 2 Contraband Offences: Chapter 2 Weapons Control: Article 1 Weapons Control Act.Saipan:Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands,5 December. (Q789)Full Citation

25.

CNMI.2003.‘Civil Liability and Criminal Liability.’ The Minor Children Firearms Control Act.Saipan:Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands,5 December. (Q784)Full Citation

26.

CNMI.2003.‘Carrying Firearms.’ Division 2 Contraband Offences: Chapter 2 Weapons Control: Article 1 Weapons Control Act.Saipan:Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands,5 December. (Q783)Full Citation

27.

GunPolicy.org. 2015. ‘Penalty for Unlawful Firearm Possession.’ Definition and Selection Criteria.
Sydney School of Public Health, 22 January. (G93) Full Citation

28.

CNMI.2003.‘Penalties.’ Division 2 Contraband Offences: Chapter 2 Weapons Control: Article 1 Weapons Control Act.Saipan:Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands,5 December. (Q791)Full Citation

29.

UN.2013.‘Member States of the United Nations.’ UN.org Web Site.New York, NY:United Nations General Assembly,7 April. (Q290)Full Citation

30.

Wassenaar Arrangement.1996.‘Introduction: Participating States.’ Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls and Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies.Vienna:Wassenaar Secretariat,12 July. (Q19)Full Citation

31.

United Nations.2017.‘Relevant Targets & Indicators.’ Sustainable Development Goal 16.New York NY:United Nations Statistics Division,6 July. (Q14093)Full Citation