Gun Policy News
Marking & tracing crime gun bullets & casings
California Lawmakers Seek to Force Gunmakers to 'Microstamp' Bullet Casings
23 March 2021
Guardian
Gun control advocates are making a new attempt to force the gun industry to comply with a unique California law that requires bullet casings to be "microstamped", a measure that has been toothless since it was approved more than a decade ago.
California's 2007 law requires gun manufacturers to adopt microstamping technology on new types of handguns introduced in the state. The intent was to imprint a unique set of microscopic characters on all cartridge casings when... (GunPolicy.org)
Smith & Wesson, Gun Lobby Fight California Law to Trace Crime Guns
23 January 2014
Los Angeles Times
SACRAMENTO — Gun maker Smith & Wesson announced Thursday that it would stop selling newly designed semiautomatic pistols in California because of a state law requiring those firearms to imprint a unique, identifying "microstamp" on bullet casings.
The law, signed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2007 but not implemented until May 2013, is intended to help police investigators link shell casings found at crime scenes to a specific gun.
Smith & Wesson joins gun maker... (GunPolicy.org)
Public Health Approach Promises Gun Violence Prevention - NEJM
12 April 2013
New England Journal of Medicine
Scientists, policymakers, and advocates are increasingly advised to use "the public health approach" to address myriad social issues, from alcoholism and arthritis to vision care and war. However, it is rarely clear what exactly is meant by "the public health approach."
Policymakers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describe the public health approach as a four-step model: Define the problem, identify risk and protective factors, develop and test... (GunPolicy.org)
Public Health Approach Promising Path to Reducing Gun Violence - NEJM
12 April 2013
New England Journal of Medicine
Scientists, policymakers, and advocates are increasingly advised to use "the public health approach" to address myriad social issues, from alcoholism and arthritis to vision care and war. However, it is rarely clear what exactly is meant by "the public health approach."
Policymakers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describe the public health approach as a four-step model: Define the problem, identify risk and protective factors, develop and test... (GunPolicy.org)
Microstamping Would Make it Easier for New York Police to Solve Crimes
15 June 2010
Albany Times-Union (New York), Editorial
At a cost to gun owners that would be less than a box of bullets or a National Rifle Association membership, New York could have a law that would help police solve crimes and not impair the Second Amendment one iota.
The Senate is expected to consider as soon as today a bill that would require certain guns sold in the state to incorporate microstamping technology that would imprint a code on shell casings. The bill, which already has passed the Assembly, has, not... (GunPolicy.org)
Microstamping Bill Should be Approved to Help Police Trace Criminals
14 June 2010
Post-Standard (New York), Opinion
As police officers, we stand on the front line in the fight to keep our communities safe. We know how criminals operate, and we know firsthand how new technology can help break a case. More important, we know what happens when we are forced to rely on outdated technology: Crimes go unsolved and criminals walk free.
Today, when the only piece of evidence left at a crime scene is a spent shell casing, police investigations often hit a dead end. That's because existing... (GunPolicy.org)
All US Gun Laws Could Be in Jeopardy, Depending on High Court Case
2 March 2010
National Public Radio (USA), Transcript
The U.S. Supreme Court steps back onto the firing range, so to speak, as it takes up the controversial question of gun rights Tuesday. At issue is whether the Second Amendment right to bear arms puts constitutional limits on state and local laws as well as federal laws.
For the first 100 years of America's history, the Bill of Rights — protecting rights of free speech and religion, among others — limited only what the federal government could do. The states had a... (GunPolicy.org)
Report Ranks California Gun Control Law the Best, Utah Worst in America
18 February 2010
Orange County Register (California)
California has the strongest gun laws in the nation, according to a survey released today by a powerful gun-control group as it prods state Legislators to enact further precautions.
The survey by the national Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence gave California high marks for making background checks mandatory for all gun purchases and limiting buyers to one handgun a month. It also applauded a new state law that regulates the sale of handgun ammunition.
California... (GunPolicy.org)
New York Law Would Microstamp Handgun Ammunition, Catch Criminals
21 July 2009
Capital 9 TV News (New York)
ALBANY, New York — "You have to make a small step to protect," said Glynn Jones, New Yorkers Against Gun Violence.
"You got 20,000 to 30,000 laws on the books now! Incrementalism is eroding our Constitution," said gun owner Harry Feineis.
Inside the Legislative Office Building in Albany, debate continues over gun control.
"How much more do you want to go?" asked Feineis.
Only moments after, state legislators announced they want all new semi-automatic handguns... (GunPolicy.org)
New York Moves Towards Pistol Microstamping, 5-year Relicensing
29 April 2009
Associated Press
ALBANY, New York — Bills that would require renewals of handgun permits and a system to tag and track spent shell casings have touched off the first gun-control battle in years at New York's Capitol.
The Democrat-controlled Assembly approved both measures this week. And they face a better chance at becoming law now that the Senate also is controlled by Democrats.
In the Capitol, students rallying in support of the measures Wednesday were mostly minorities from the... (GunPolicy.org)
Tennessee Democrat's Bill Would Ban Gun, Ammunition Microstamping
20 February 2009
Chattanoogan (Tennessee)
Sen. Doug Jackson, D-Dickson, has filed legislation that would ban the sale of "microstamped" firearms and ammunition, calling them an infringement on the Second Amendment right to bear arms.
California has passed a law mandating microstamping of firearms, "and I predict that Tennessee will pass a law banning it," Sen. Jackson said.
Called the "Second Amendment Protection Act," the bill would outlaw sale of firearms and ammunition that are laser-engraved, or... (GunPolicy.org)
New York Handgun Bullet 'Library' Defended as Developing Crime Buster
28 September 2008
Newsday (New York) / AP
ALBANY, New York — New York's 7½-year-old database of handgun "fingerprints" has yet to lead to a criminal prosecution and questions linger about its effectiveness. Still, state police remain committed to the database, saying more time and a long-awaited link to a federal ballistics database could bring success.
Since March 2001, identifying information about more than 200,000 new pistols and revolvers sold in New York have been entered into the Combined Ballistic... (GunPolicy.org)
What Kind of Armed, Brutal America is the Gun Lobby Trying to Create?
25 July 2008
Charleston Gazette (West Virginia), Editorial
After the U.S. Supreme Court voided the unworkable pistol ban in the nation's capital, the District of Columbia council unanimously passed rules to license guns — but only if they're kept unloaded, disassembled or trigger-locked inside homes. They still may not be carried on streets. Owners must pass eye and written tests. Gun-lovers plan to sue over the tough new rules.
What a mess. This ongoing battle doesn't solve the basic question: What can be done to reduce... (GunPolicy.org)
US Supreme Court Decision Brings 'A New Chance to Curb Gun Violence'
17 July 2008
Washington Post, Opinion
The Supreme Court decision last month overturning the District's handgun ban, though controversial, may have ended a long-standing political logjam. As a local law enforcement official, I hope this decision will allow a working coalition to transcend partisan disagreements and support strategies proven to reduce gun violence.
The ruling left almost entirely intact the gun restrictions in Maryland and most other jurisdictions. Still permitted are: licensing... (GunPolicy.org)
New York Republicans Stall Move to Microstamp Handguns, Ammunition
20 May 2008
Albany Times-Union (New York)
ALBANY — Efforts to mandate "microstamping" technology in handguns, which advocates say would allow police to better trace bullets, appear to have faded in the state Senate after being targeted by opponents in the gun lobby.
News that the effort lost momentum emerged Monday following a live-fire demonstration at the State Police headquarters target range to promote the technology.
The event, set up by Assemblywoman Michelle Schimel, D-Great Neck, underscored the... (GunPolicy.org)
Handgun Ammunition Microstamping Bill Stirs up New York Gun Debate
15 April 2008
Albany Times-Union (New York)
ALBANY — If you're buying a handgun, there may soon be a bullet with your name on it, or at least a number on the shell casing.
That's because lawmakers are poised to mandate that semiautomatic handguns sold in New York be equipped with microstamp technology that marks each cartridge casing.
Proponents say it would allow police to better match weapons and cartridges. But opponents maintain the technology is unreliable, potentially costly and would not affect stolen... (GunPolicy.org)
Push Begins to Microstamp New Handguns, Ammunition Sold in New York
13 April 2008
New York Sun
A state lawmaker is poised to introduce a bill that would require all new pistols sold in New York to be equipped with microstamping technology, a means of tracing pistols the firearms industry opposes. The bill will likely be introduced this week by state Senator Martin Golden, who has been working closely with city officials over the past several weeks to iron out the language of the legislation, an aide to the Brooklyn Republican said. Mayor Bloomberg, a proponent of... (GunPolicy.org)
Gun Marking, Microstamping Ammunition 'Phony Remedies for Violent Crime'
27 March 2008
Hartford Courant (Connecticut), Opinion
Every year during the legislative session, Connecticut plays host to a medicine show of phony remedies for violent crime. Now that spring is here, so is the snake oil.
Two purported anti-crime bills are now being considered by the General Assembly. Both bills promise amazing results, but the buyer should beware.
Senate Bill 603 would outlaw the sale of firearms ammunition that does not bear a serial number on the bullet and the cartridge case. The serial number is... (GunPolicy.org)
Prestigious US Panel Shoots Down Nationwide Handgun Ballistics Database
5 March 2008
National Public Radio (USA) / All Things Considered, Transcript
Every time somebody pulls the trigger on a gun, it leaves distinctive marks on the bullet or cartridge case. Police have long used those tell-tale marks to help them link a gun to a crime, and bullet-matching is a regular feature of police dramas like CSI.
In recent years, some lawmakers and gun control groups have pushed for a national database that would record the ballistics signature of every gun sold in the United States. But a new report from a prestigious... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: National Public Radio (USA) / All Things Considered
US Lawmakers, Police, Gun Control Groups Push Handgun Microstamping
3 March 2008
WTNH-TV News (Connecticut)
Lawmakers are pushing a new technology to help trace hand-guns used in crimes. It's called 'microstamping.' It's essentially a license plate for handguns that is difficult to remove.
It's almost like a rubber stamp, but it's inside the gun and it microscopically stamps the ammunition cartridge.
When an ammunition cartridge is ejected from a semi-automatic handgun, it carries a distinguishing mark made by the firing pin.
And from those TV cop shows, you probably know... (GunPolicy.org)
US: Incremental Gun Control 'Strikes at the Very Heart of American Liberty'
22 February 2008
Register-Guard (Oregon), Editorial
The National Rifle Association's new buzz phrase is "incremental gun control." The NRA's supporters and the members of Congress in the gun lobby's thrall somehow have come to believe that "incremental gun control" strikes at the very heart of American liberty and must be resisted at all costs.
Opposition to all sensible gun regulation, incremental or otherwise, has fueled the NRA's largely successful efforts to make sure that nothing stands in the way of virtually... (GunPolicy.org)
Check Gun Buyers, Microstamp Ammunition to Curb US Gun Death - Obama
15 February 2008
Baltimore Sun
MILWAUKEE — Sen. Barack Obama this morning commented on Thursday's shootings at Northern Illinois University, as he also discussed his views on gun laws.
The Illinois Democrat, talking for the first time about the shootings in his home state, said during a news conference that he had talked to the school's president this morning.
"My thoughts and prayers go out to the families of those who were killed and those who were injured … when a madman walked into a... (GunPolicy.org)
US Hunters Should Oppose Crimebusting Bills to Microstamp Ammunition
10 February 2008
Knoxville News Sentinel (Tennessee), Column
Most politicians learned a few years ago that talking gun control is a political loser. So, to fill the vacuum they're talking bullet control.
Sen. Reginald Tate (D-Memphis) and Rep. Larry J. Miller (D-Memphis) have introduced legislation that would require all handgun and assault weapon ammunition sold in Tennessee after Jan. 1, 2009, to be coded. The idea, they spell out in their identical bills, is coded bullets would help police solve homicides committed with... (GunPolicy.org)
Maryland Mayor Wants Guns to Automatically Microstamp Fired Casings
28 January 2008
Examiner (Baltimore)
BALTIMORE — In the wake of a double homicide in Annapolis' Bay Ridge Gardens apartments, Mayor Ellen Moyer is pushing for lawmakers to draft legislation that requires gun manufacturers to produce microstamp imprints of a gun's serial number on shell casings.
The Annapolis mayor plans to meet with state leaders today, including House Speaker Michael Busch, D-Annapolis, City Police Chief Joseph Johnson and representatives from several state agencies to push for... (GunPolicy.org)
New York Mayor Pushes Microstamping Law as Gun Crime-busting Tool
18 January 2008
Newsday (New York) / AP
NEW YORK — Tough new law enforcement measures, a major tax cut and new services for senior citizens are on Mayor Michael Bloomberg's agenda for the city as he tests his appeal nationwide as an independent leader.
Bloomberg outlined a bipartisan agenda in his State of the City address Thursday. The billionaire mayor, who has two years left in his second term, insists he is "not a candidate" for president, but associates say he has begun an intensive nationwide effort... (GunPolicy.org)
Crime Busting Handgun Microstamping Technology Finds Favour and Foes
1 January 2008
Law Enforcement Technology (USA) / Officer.com
A 14-year-old boy and his 18-year-old brother are shot and killed in a mini-mart down the street from their home. Police find four shell casings in the parking lot, but no leads.
A man driving home from work is summoned to the side of the road by a woman apparently needing help. After he stops, he discovers the trap. Two men attempt to rob him. When he runs, they shoot him. He dies. Three shell casings are found, but no leads.
These incidents are neither hypothetical... (GunPolicy.org)
Schwarzenegger 'Gets Tough,' Mandates Microstamping for California Guns
16 October 2007
Telegraph (UK)
LOS ANGELES — Arnold Schwarzenegger has angered America's powerful gun lobby by backing legislation requiring semi-automatic handguns to mark bullets with serial numbers to help police identify casings found at crime scenes.
The former Hollywood action hero, who played trigger-happy characters in violent films such as The Terminator, approved the crime-fighting technology despite opposition from the National Rifle Association, which said it could be used to implicate... (GunPolicy.org)
Schwarzenegger Defies Gun Lobby, Signs Bill to Microstamp New Handguns
15 October 2007
San Francisco Chronicle
Sacramento — Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed the nation's first law requiring semiautomatic pistols sold in the state to leave a unique imprint on bullets that are fired, giving police another way to try to link shootings to the criminals who carry them out.
The bill was among dozens that Schwarzenegger signed this weekend, banning toxic plastic softeners in toys for toddlers, blessing the sale of kangaroo-skin soccer shoes and purses, and whacking... (GunPolicy.org)
California Will Microstamp Handguns, Ban Lead Ammo in Condor Country
14 October 2007
Los Angeles Times
SACRAMENTO — Bucking pressure from the gun lobby, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed an unprecedented law Saturday requiring that certain pistols sold in the state be equipped to mark each cartridge when fired so police can more easily trace the weapons.
Another signed measure also opposed by the interest group will ban the use of lead ammunition in the habitat of the endangered California condor.
During a busy day in which he signed 101 bills and vetoed 58, the... (GunPolicy.org)
California Mandates Handgun Microstamping as Crime-busting Forensic Tool
14 October 2007
New York Times / Reuters
SAN FRANCISCO — California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed a bill whose backers say will better help police use shells from hand guns as evidence in criminal investigations, a spokeswoman said on Sunday.
The legislation marks a victory for gun-control activists and the second time Schwarzenegger signed one of their priority bills. In 2004 he approved a ban on private citizens owning .50 caliber rifles.
Activists had called for the legislation, which requires... (GunPolicy.org)
California Senate Approves Bill to 'Microstamp' Pistol Cartridges for Tracing
6 September 2007
San Francisco Chronicle / AP
SACRAMENTO — California could be the first state to require that every semiautomatic handgun cartridge be stamped with an identifying mark.
A bill bearing that proposal has cleared both chambers of the Legislature. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger hasn't said whether he will sign it once it reaches his desk.
The measure would require that in three years, every semiautomatic handgun sold in California automatically stamp each bullet cartridge as it's fired. The mark would... (GunPolicy.org)
California Shows Crime Busting Promise of Handgun, Ammo Microstamping
15 August 2007
Los Angeles Times
A proposed state bill requiring all new handguns to be stamped with microscopic identification tags could significantly decrease violence and shut down the illegal gun market if passed, proponents said in a news conference Tuesday.
The Crime Gun Identification Act, AB 1471, would require that lasers be used to create a "microstamp" of each gun's make, model and serial number that would become imprinted onto shell casings when a bullet is fired. The technology was... (GunPolicy.org)
California Moves to Microstamp Semi-auto Pistols, Ammo to Track Crimes
30 May 2007
San Francisco Chronicle
SACRAMENTO — In an effort to curb deadly gun violence, the state Assembly on Tuesday passed a bill that would make California the first in the nation to require a mechanism inside semiautomatic pistols to stamp information that would help authorities track down criminals.
"About 45 percent of all homicides are never solved … for lack of evidence," the bill's author, Assemblyman Mike Feuer, D-Los Angeles, said on the floor of the Assembly. "But we have the... (GunPolicy.org)
US Gun Lobby Opposes Pistol Ammo Microstamp Crime Busting Scheme
19 May 2007
Associated Press
WASHINGTON — Gun shots rang out in a House office basement Friday as a Capitol police officer fired a semiautomatic pistol into the chest of a man-sized paper silhouette.
Had the paper target been a real victim, and Capitol Police Sgt. William P. Siko a criminal, investigators might have found enough evidence for a conviction in the bullet cartridges left at the scene, gun control advocates said.
Siko helped demonstrate for lawmakers a technique called... (GunPolicy.org)