From: [REDACTED] at [hprnd.rose.hp.com] (Steve Kao) Newsgroups: talk.politics.guns Subject: Re: A probable FAQ Date: 25 Oct 1993 21:36:38 GMT RKBA.013 - Trend in weapons use for robberies (1974-86) Version 1.1 (last changed on 90/04/23 at 22:24:42) DESCRIPTION =========== In the thirteen years from 1974 to 1986, the use of firearms in robberies has decreased from 45% of robberies to 34%. In the same time period, the use of knives has stayed about the same, the use of clubs and blunt objects has risen somewhat, and the use of hands, feet, etc. has risen from 34% to over 43%. During the period 1975 through 1986, no national gun control laws were enacted. Very few states, with the exception of Massachusetts, adopted new gun control laws. However, many states did enact laws or sentencing guidelines of the "use a gun, go to jail" type. SUMMARY ======= The use firearms in robbery is declining. The use of hands, fists, feet, etc. rose. No national and no significant state laws (except MA) were enacted. Per capita firearm ownership rose slightly. The only observable correlation is that of stricter sentencing of criminals when a guns is used. CONCLUSION ========== To reduce the use firearms in robberies, implement stricter sentencing when firearms are involved. Knife or Dangerous Hands, Any any cutting object, club, fist YEAR Robberies Firearm instrument blunt object feet ---- --------- ------- ------------ ------------- -------- 1974 389,140 44.7 13.1 8.1 34.1 1975 439,965 44.8 12.5 7.8 35.0 1976 408,788 42.6 13.0 7.8 36.5 1977 383,962 41.6 13.2 8.5 36.7 1978 405,735 40.8 12.7 9.0 37.5 1979 434,654 39.7 13.2 9.4 37.7 1980 526,537 40.3 12.8 9.1 37.8 1981 522,549 40.1 13.1 8.9 37.8 1982 512,444 39.9 13.6 9.1 37.4 1983 488,246 36.6 13.6 9.5 40.3 1984 435,732 36 13 9 42 1985 461,725 35 13 9 42 1986 531,468 34 14 10 43 Source: BJS86 for precise 1974 through 1983 values (based on data not published in the Uniform Crime Reports), CJS87 for 1984 through 1986. -end- -- <----------------------------------------------------------------------------> Philip K. Ronzone S e c u r e U N I X [p k r] at [sgi.com] Silicon Graphics, Inc. MS 9U-500 work (415) 335-1511 2011 N. Shoreline Blvd., Mountain View, CA 94039 fax (415) 969-2314