“The federal government has passed many laws to restrict and limit firearm purchases. The offenders in this research, how-ever, stated that none of these laws or statutes deterred them.”

“Of the 33 handguns used to assault the officers who participated in the current study, 32 (97 percent) were obtained illegally. Eighteen of these were purchased or traded from other [criminals]; six were obtained during burglaries; four were taken from the victim officers during the incidents of examination; two were stolen during larcenies; one was stolen during a homicide; and one was illegally purchased from a firearm dealer in a store (straw purchase by a female associate). “None of the rifles, shotguns or handguns connected with this study were obtained from gun shows or related activities.”

“No, we ain’t going to no store to buy [guns]. I mean, you know, you got everybody out there doing their thing as far as being a criminal. You got guys out there that sell drugs. Guys out there that do burglaries and all that stuff. So, there is some gun sellers out there … it’s almost easy as being able to find drugs.”