Title: Handgun Regulations, Crime, Assaults, and Homicide. A Tale of Two Cities

Publication Date: November 10, 1988

What does it say?

This study investigates the association among handgun regulations, assaults, and other violent crimes, specifically within the cities of Seattle, Washington and Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, from 1980 to 1986.

During this study, data revealed that though the cities of Seattle and Vancouver have similar rates of burglary and robbery, the rate of assaults and assaults with the use of a firearm were much higher in Seattle. The rate of assault involving a firearm was seven times higher in Seattle than Vancouver during this time period.

Despite these cities having similar rates of overall criminal activity, it is revealed that the risk of death from homicide in Seattle is significantly greater. This rise in risk is explained by the increased likelihood to be murdered with a handgun in Seattle compared to Vancouver because Vancouver has adopted more restrictive gun regulations. After assessing the data, the study concludes by stating that restricting gun access may reduce the rate of violent crime and homicide within a city or community.

How can I use it?

Use this report to provide evidence and advocate for more restrictive gun regulations, specifically handgun policies. Policies such as requiring background checks on all firearms purchases, harsher penalties for crimes involving the use of a firearm, and stricter monitoring of handgun purchases are all examples of gun regulations that could help preserve the safety of a given community.

Citation

Sloan JH, et al, “Handgun Regulations, Crime, Assaults, and Homicide. A Tale of Two Cities,” New England Journal of Medicine 319(19) (November 10, 1988):1256-62