NCJ Number
177586
Date Published
1998
Length
22 pages
Annotation
This report presents findings from an analysis of Federal executive departments' and agencies' compliance with President Clinton's March 1997 directive regarding child safety locks for employee firearms.
Abstract
The directive instructed executive departments and agencies to develop and implement a policy that requires the provision of a safety lock device with each handgun issued to Federal law enforcement officers; to inform all Federal law enforcement officers of the policy; and to provide accompanying instructions for the proper use of devices when issued. In May 1997 the White House issued a memorandum to indicate that the directive covers all firearms, not just handguns, issued to Federal law enforcement officers. The intent of the directive is to reduce unauthorized use of firearms and protect children from injury and death. This study addressed two questions: currently, how many firearms have been issued to or are used in an official capacity by employees at selected Federal law enforcement organizations; and how have selected Federal law enforcement organizations implemented the presidential directive. Although the directive applies only to executive branch organizations, the study focused on each Federal civilian department or agency that has 1,000 or more law enforcement officers. The study involved interviews with knowledgeable officials at the headquarters of each selected agency. Researchers also obtained and reviewed copies of applicable documents, such as safety lock procurement records, implementation policies and guidance, and training manual updates. The study was conducted from June 1998 to September 1998. It focused on the implementation of the presidential directive by Justice, Treasury, and the National Park Service, as well as the voluntary implementation of firearm safety lock programs by the Postal Inspection Service, the Capitol Police, and Federal judicial district, which are not subject to the presidential directive. The findings show that these departments and agencies have taken steps to implement the presidential directive. 3 tables and appended supplementary information