Gun Control (Pt 2)

System Challenges

The current background check system in the U.S. faces significant challenges, primarily due to its voluntary nature for states and agencies. Wendy Zukerman highlights that many states fail to submit comprehensive records, leading to a high gun homicide rate in states with poor systems 1. Mark Jones, a former ATF special agent, points out that many criminals obtain guns through unregulated transactions, bypassing background checks entirely 2.

We know that a lot of criminals are getting guns through transactions that don't have any scrutiny on them. To me, that's a real problem.

--- Mark Jones

Moreover, a significant portion of gun crimes are committed by individuals who would pass a background check, as they do not meet prohibitive conditions under federal law 1.

   

Proposed Fixes

Proposed improvements to the background check system focus on enhancing record-keeping and expanding the information included in checks. Wendy Zukerman discusses the potential impact of including mental health information in background checks, a suggestion often raised after mass shootings 1. Bob Kostaras, a gun shop owner, explains the current process involving federal forms and the FBI's National Instant Criminal Background Check System 3.

If public health professionals found a lamp with a genie inside, they'd probably make a wish that all the guns could just disappear.

--- Wendy Zukerman

While these improvements could reduce gun deaths, the effectiveness is limited by the fact that many criminals acquire guns through means that do not require background checks 1.