What Police Say

“Even in smaller cities like Davenport, Iowa, it is crucial for police to have access to the information we need to do our jobs effectively. If the ability to access regional ATF gun trace data helps me track down even one more criminal each year, it just might help save a life. That’s what good police work is all about.”   

Chief Mike Bladel

Davenport, IA Police Department

“Police are most effective when we coordinate our efforts, and to do that you need comprehensive information. There are traffickers out there funneling illegal guns across state lines. These people profit off of violence in the streets. With the right information, we can find them and put them behind bars.”

Commissioner Leonard Hamm

Baltimore, MD Police Department

“Minneapolis, like many large cities, is seeing a rise in gun violence and police gun seizures. Even cities with overall crime reductions are reporting more gun violence. Most are also reporting a disproportionate increase in gun violence by youth. Although no young person in Minneapolis can acquire a handgun legally, guns are plentiful and affordable on our streets. Illegal guns can be trafficked into our jurisdiction from across city, county and state boundaries.  In order to target those who possess, use and traffic illegal guns, we need the freedom to access, analyze and share ATF gun trace data across jurisdictions."

Chief Tim Dolan

Minneapolis, MN Police Department

“The availability of illegal guns on our streets results in violent crime perpetrated against innocent people. In order to be more effective at bringing the criminals who supply those illegal guns to justice, police need the ability to access trace data in their communities and surrounding communities – that data can help us find the sources and identify the illegal traffickers. It is crucial that Congress lift the Tiahrt Amendment’s restrictions on that trace data.”

Chief Michael A. Billdt

San Bernardino, CA Police Department