According to a groundbreaking report by the Department of Justice, police in California are seizing an increasing number of untraceable ghost guns and firearms without serial numbers. The report reveals that the number of seized guns without serial numbers has skyrocketed from 1,258 in 2010 to 21,933 in 2022, with a significant increase occurring in the last three years due to the growing popularity of unserialized firearms purchased in parts and assembled at home, known as ghost guns.
Over the 12-year study period, a total of 85,402 guns without serial numbers were confiscated by law enforcement. The peak year for confiscations was 2021, with 23,559 guns seized, followed by a 7% decrease in the subsequent year.
The report defines guns without serial numbers as homemade or ghost guns, antique firearms, and guns with illegally erased serial numbers. More than 60% of the confiscated unserialized guns were either homemade or had unidentifiable manufacturers. State statistics reveal that 73.6% of homicides in 2022 involved a firearm, presenting a pressing concern for public safety.
The report also highlights the regional disparities in gun confiscation. San Bernardino County had the highest per capita rate of seized guns without serial numbers in California, with a rate of 24.48 per 10,000 people. In comparison, Los Angeles County had a rate of 13 guns without serial numbers per 10,000 people. Riverside County had a rate of 8, Orange County had a rate of 4.8, and San Diego County had a rate of 10.6.
Among the cities in Southern California, Compton had one of the highest rates of unserialized seized guns, standing at 9 per 1,000 people. Conversely, the city of Los Angeles had a significantly lower rate of 1.2.
The rise in ghost guns has raised alarms among gun safety advocates. David Pucino, deputy chief counsel for the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, emphasized the urgency of addressing the threat posed by ghost guns. He stated, “Ghost guns pose the fastest threat to gun safety because the ghost gun products allow people who are not legally allowed to possess firearms to access them.”
To combat the proliferation of firearms without serial numbers, California implemented stricter laws in 2022, requiring even previously purchased ghost guns to have a recorded serial number starting in January 2024. While these measures are expected to reduce the availability of unserialized guns, Pucino predicts that individuals determined to obtain ghost guns will seek alternative channels.
Despite the potential impact of the new laws, some experts express skepticism about their effectiveness. Orange County sheriff’s Cmdr. Tony Benfield believes that criminals will find new avenues to acquire firearms, regardless of legal restrictions. He acknowledged that gang members in Orange County are increasingly using ghost guns.
The report on crime guns in California, which was mandated by a 2021 state bill, offers a comprehensive analysis of seized firearms and their origins, surpassing the scope of federal-level studies. The report provides crucial data for understanding the issue of gun violence in the state and informing future policy decisions.
It is worth noting that the term “crime guns” used in the report may be misleading, according to Chuck Michel, an attorney and president of the California Rifle and Pistol Association. Michel contends that guns without serial numbers may not necessarily have been involved in violent crimes but were confiscated due to their illegal ownership status. He cautioned against drawing definitive conclusions about the danger posed by these firearms based solely on the data.
The report highlights the regional variations in gun confiscation rates. San Bernardino County has the highest per capita rate of seized guns in Southern California, with 154.3 guns confiscated per 10,000 people. Los Angeles County follows closely with a rate of 140.5 per 10,000 people. Mendocino County, known for its cannabis production, recorded the highest rate in the state, with 335 guns confiscated per 10,000 people.
In terms of cities, Compton has one of the highest rates of seized guns in Southern California, with 60.3 guns per 1,000 residents. San Bernardino follows with a rate of 41.5 per 1,000 residents. Law enforcement authorities attribute the high rates of confiscated guns and firearms without serial numbers in San Bernardino County to targeted police operations focused on drugs, ghost guns, and illegally possessed weapons.
While these efforts have yielded results, such as a significant decrease in homicides in Victorville, where 20 homicides dropped to three since October, there is still a concern for officer safety. Ghost guns are increasingly being utilized by local gangs, often produced using 3D printers. These firearms are prone to jamming after just one or two shots, providing law enforcement with some advantage during encounters with armed criminals.
The report also mentions specific retailers associated with confiscated guns. Turner’s Outdoorsman in Torrance accounted for the highest number of seized guns, with 1,652 out of a total of 82,433 sold during the study period. Turner’s Outdoorsman in San Bernardino ranked second, with 1,650 out of 86,271 sold.
Overall, the state report on crime guns in California provides critical insights into the escalating issue of untraceable firearms without serial numbers. While recent legislative measures aim to address this problem, it remains to be seen how effective they will be in curbing the black market trade of ghost guns. The report serves as a landmark study, surpassing federal-level research and providing valuable information for addressing gun violence in the state.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
