Controlling crime by the use of guns becomes challenging task especially for the lawmakers and practitioners such as human rights body in the United States. According to the National research council, an estimation of more than 258 guns acquired by private individuals in America by the year 2005 provided a leeway in accessing firearms. Despite attempts by the policy makers on restricting the purchase of firearms such as guns, convicted criminals and juveniles acquire weapons illegally thus raising the level of insecurity as discussed in the essay below.
Increased in the gun market in the U.S.A expands over the recent past due to the rise in demand of firearms for protection that provides an opportunity for criminals, juveniles, and thugs to purchase. The readily available market usually referred to as primary and secondary market offer guns at an affordable price thus attracting more customers to acquire firearms. However, the violation of the law occurs during the transaction as very few owners license their armory hence enabling the teenagers to access the ammunitions illegally in a quicker way.
In addition, multiple sales of guns arise, as an individual possess more than one firearm. Besides, the federal law permits people to obtain guns occasionally from unlicensed sellers when their life is under threat thus increasing the prevalence of criminal activities in U.S.A. Furthermore, most crime activities emanate from the states where a constant supply of firearms exists hence the need for the federal government to implement stringent measures in curbing illegal acquisition of firearms. Moreover, the availability of criminal market lures the youths in engaging in risky activities such as theft and drug trafficking, hence the need for controlling usage of guns by the public.
About 12942 people died in the USA due to gun related crimes in December last year. The cases include murder, suicide, and unintended shootings. The deaths arose from guns that were in the hands of the wrong people and others that were used in the wrong way. An estimate of 36 Americans died in gun-related crimes in 2015 (Mascia, 2015). Some of the deaths take place because of assaults. Most of the assaults take place with gangs that carry out crimes across the United States. Last year, a shooting occurred at Umpqua Community College. The number of casualties made President Obama to talk tough on the people who commit such crimes. The incidences made them convene meetings that are aimed at getting lifetime solutions to the problem.
Of the many solutions for controlling guns, recognizing that gun violence causes a burden to the health sector. A national body should be constituted so that they see that the rule is followed. On the other hand, every government institution should have its initiative for controlling the guns. When guns are controlled, the burden in the public sector and health services is reduced. Secondly, there should be a national team for the enforcement of the rules set in place for the control of gun related crimes. Laws put in place by such bodies will go a long way in ensuring public safety. An example of legislation passed can be for the youth. The youth is targeted because they are the population that will shift to use of guns and drugs when they are jobless. Above all, there should be counseling among the people and their peers. Being a brother’s keeper will make a person have the confidence in getting to the right direction in life. A person should be in their right state of mind when they possess a gun.
References
Jennifer Mascia, December 23, 2015, 15 Statistics That Tell the Story of Gun Violence This Year Retrieved from https://www.thetrace.org/2015/12/gun-violence-stats-2015/
