CNN
State laws that restrict access to guns could reduce the rate of firearm-related suicide, according to new research.
Researchers examined suicide rates in Connecticut and Missouri, two
states that changed their permit-to-purchase handgun laws in recent
decades. Connecticut passed a law in 1995 that requires people to apply
for a permit with local law enforcement and take eight hours of gun
safety training before they can buy a firearm. In 2007 in Missouri, the
state repealed a 1921 law that required people to apply with the local
police to buy a gun.
The rate of gun-related suicide in
Connecticut in the 10 years after its law passed was 15 percent lower
than what researchers predict it would have been had the law not been
passed. The researchers made this prediction based on the suicide rate
between 1995 and 2005 in Rhode Island and North Dakota, which have
similar demographics as Connecticut and which also had similar suicide
rates as Connecticut in the years before its law (1981-1994).
In
contrast, the gun-related suicide rate in Missouri was 16 percent higher
from 2007 to 2011 than researchers predict it would have been based on
the rates in the comparable states of North Carolina and Nebraska.
An interesting article, especially in that they also entertain the possibility that other factors might be causing the increase or decrease in suicides than gun availability.
ReplyDeleteOne thing they dont discuss is that while purchase permits might delay a person having a firearm available to harm themselves and get them through the current crisis, it wont have an effect after the purchase is complete. Another factor is that once a person acquires a purchase permit, its normally good for at least a year and during that time, there is no delay. Also, at least in my state, a carry permit can be used as a purchase permit.
I guess you are not aware that once the original attempt has passed, most don't try it again. Bottom line, gun regulations worked, as intended.
DeleteThe waiting period only affects first-time gun buyers. The problem is the tremendous availability that's already out there. This has to be diminished.
DeleteSo within a year, a person might commit a felony (like a murder) and still be able to buy a gun?
Delete"So within a year, a person might commit a felony (like a murder) and still be able to buy a gun? "
DeleteNo Anon, in Minnesota, if a person commits an act that makes them a prohibited person, then they are required to return the purchase permit. The court also has the person's name entered into the NICS database. Having the purchase permit doesn't eliminate the requirement for the dealer to conduct the NICS background check.
Right SS, and we know those kind of processes work so well, that criminals never get guns. You are a joke.
DeleteWell Anon, you certainly don't hear of felons getting purchase permits and buying a gun from a dealer to commit a crime. And Minnesota has a pretty low violent crime rate. Much lower than gun control bastions such a California, DC, or even New York.
DeleteThere is one other thing that sets it apart from the three states just mentioned that serve as gun control role models. Minnesota got a very poor grade from the various gun control groups.
So I guess SS criminals never get guns?
DeleteSo much lower that the comparison is ridiculous, but that's you all the time.
Anon, nothing works 100%, as can be seen by criminals getting guns even in gun control paradises like California among others. Why is my comparison to states with more strict gun laws ridiculous? Simply because you don't like how it looks?
DeleteBS, SS! When we have 300 million guns roaming around and loose gun laws, that's why we can't stop it. And fools like you who think anywhere inside the home, is a lock box. Enjoy your dishonest delusions.
DeleteWhy did they study gun related suicide rates instead of overall suicide rates?
ReplyDeleteAnd why did Mike not notice that and title the post appropriately, especially after the countless times I've called him on conflating "gun-related" with overall rates?
DeleteSince most suicides, just like most murders, are committed with guns and since guns are so efficient at doing the job, gun suicides works fine for me. It's only you biased, quibbling gun nuts that pretend there's a problem with it.
Delete