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BUSINESS BRIEFS

Police Chief Helps Lobby for Stricter Gun Law

October 2007

Emeryville Police Chief Ken James was appointed by the California Police Chief’s Association to represent it on various gun control bills being considered by the State Legislature, and the Chief came through. He was instrumental in getting an Assembly bill passed that will make it easier for enforcement agencies to get investigative leads on violent gun related crimes. The bill is currently awaiting Governor Schwarzenegger’s signature. Chief James met with various legislators, the National Rifle Association (NRA), worked with the Brady Campaign for Gun Control, lobbyists, and other parties in supporting this legislation. This was a significant accomplishment for Chief James, considering the obstacles put up by gun rights activists and the NRA.

The California Police Chiefs Association endorsed the Crime Gun Identification Act of 2007, AB 1471, that will provide investigative leads in violent gun crimes. Firearm identification from evidence left at the scene of a gun crime is essential to the successful investigation and prosecution of the crime. Applying “micro stamping” technology to semi-automatic handguns will allow detectives to identify the make, model and serial number of the gun from shell casings left at the crime scene. Comparing this information with the Dealer Record of Sale database will provide detectives with the owner of the weapon. In addition to the identification of the crime gun itself, the micro stamping will provide law enforcement with the tools to combat the illegal trafficking of firearms, as well as identifying gun trafficking channels. The new law will provide law enforcement agencies the tools they need to solve violent gun crimes and combat gun violence.

For additional information, contact the Emeryville Police Department at 510-596-3700.