What Police Say

“When I saw that ATF reported finding more than 30,000 guns unaccounted for after looking at just 10% of the nation’s gun dealers, it was yet another fact driving home the truth that there is a serious illegal gun trafficking problem in this country. Local police departments like mine are on the front lines, and we need Washington to get past their same old tired debates and look logically at the issue of illegal guns. This issue is not about law abiding citizens’ rights – it’s about stopping criminals. The Tiahrt Amendments need to be replaced with reasonable, common-sense policies that give my officers the tools they need to protect our community.”

Police Commissioner Mark L. Whitman

York, PA Police Department

“There is no greater tool in a police officer's tool box than comprehensive information sharing. The Baltimore Police Department is committed to reducing violence by strategically targeting violent offenders and going after bad guys with guns. In order to succeed in our crime fight, we need Congress's help to ensure that law enforcement has unfettered access to share ATF gun trace data. This information is vital to save lives and protect public safety.”

Police Commissioner Frederick H. Bealefeld III

Baltimore, MD Police Department

“Minneapolis, like many large cities, is seeing a rise in gun violence and police gun seizures. Even cities with overall crime reductions are reporting more gun violence. Most are also reporting a disproportionate increase in gun violence by youth. Although no young person in Minneapolis can acquire a handgun legally, guns are plentiful and affordable on our streets. Illegal guns can be trafficked into our jurisdiction from across city, county and state boundaries.  In order to target those who possess, use and traffic illegal guns, we need the freedom to access, analyze and share ATF gun trace data across jurisdictions.”

Chief Tim Dolan

Minneapolis, MN Police Department

“The availability of illegal guns on our streets results in violent crime perpetrated against innocent people. In order to be more effective at bringing the criminals who supply those illegal guns to justice, police need the ability to access trace data in their communities and surrounding communities – that data can help us find the sources and identify the illegal traffickers. It is crucial that Congress lift the Tiahrt Amendment’s restrictions on that trace data.”

Chief Michael A. Billdt

San Bernardino, CA Police Department