Police leaders from across the nation joined the Brady Campaign in urging Congress to repeal legislation that prevents police and local governments from having access to crime gun trace data that would help cities fight illegal gun trafficking in their communities.
However, the House failed law enforcement and it failed our communities. It refused to remove the Tiarht restrictions named after Rep. Todd Tiahrt (R-KS) which has been tucked inside of a federal spending bill since 2003. It makes it difficult for law enforcement to combat crime and prevents communities from knowing the truth about corrupt gun dealers and illegal gun trafficking.
At a time when crime rates are rising, and corrupt gun dealers and traffickers are fueling gun violence in our neighborhoods, this action is inexcusable.
Police Take Tiahrt Fight to Congress
Brady President Paul Helmke urges Congress to remove Tiahrt restrictions at a recent press conference.
More than 200 individual police chiefs, 11 national police organizations, 21 state and regional police organizations, and more than 230 mayors including Mayors Bloomberg (New York), Menino (Boston), and Palmer (Trenton), have repeatedly urged Congress to repeal these restrictions.
The crime gun trace data is critical to mayors and law enforcement because without it, dangerous gun dealers avoid public scrutiny and local police are deprived of warnings of possible criminal activity in their communities. But the Tiahrt restrictions shield corrupt gun dealers who feed the illegal gun market.
Thanks to all who made calls, sent letters and emails to urge your Representative to repeal the Tiahrt restrictions. Congress needs to know that while they continue to side with the gun pushers, America wants sane gun laws to make our communities safer.
The federal spending bill must now move to the Senate for a full votes. We will keep you updated on what's next in the fight!
Police Organizations Opposing the Tiarht restrictions
As of June 28, 2007 the following law enforcement organizations,
representing more than 100,000 law enforcement professionals have signed
on opposing the Tiahrt restrictions.
California Association of Chiefs of Police
Colorado Association of Chiefs of Police
Connecticut Association of Chiefs of Police
Delaware Police Chiefs Council
Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police
Kentucky Association of Chiefs of Police
Maine Association of Chiefs of Police
Maryland Chiefs of Police Association
Maryland Municipal Law Enforcement Executives Association
Massachusetts Association of Chiefs of Police
Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police
Minnesota Association of Chiefs of Police
New England Association of Chiefs of Police
New Jersey: Essex County Chiefs of Police Association
New Mexico Association of Chiefs of Police
New York Association of Chiefs of Police
Oregon Association of Chiefs of Police
Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association
Texas Association of Chiefs of Police
Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police
Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (Washington State)
Plus, more than 200 Individual Police Chiefs and Sheriffs on behalf of their jurisdictions