A recent investigation by CBS News, in partnership with The Trace and Reveal, has unveiled a troubling trend: thousands of former law enforcement weapons are ending up in the hands of criminals each year. This revelation has prompted serious questions about whether police and sheriff’s departments should continue the practice of selling their used firearms to gun stores.
A Growing Concern
The investigation uncovered that a significant number of guns involved in crimes were once part of police arsenals. For example, a Glock 21 handgun used in the murder of Cameron Brown in Indianapolis was traced back to a sheriff’s office in Stanislaus County, California, more than 2,300 miles away. This finding underscores the potential dangers of police departments offloading their used firearms.
The Scale of the Issue
The investigation revealed that during a 16-year period ending in February 2022, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) traced 52,529 former police service weapons to crimes across the United States. This translates to an average of more than 3,200 guns per year, or about nine guns per day.
Financial Incentives
Law enforcement agencies often sell their used guns to offset the costs of purchasing new firearms. Stanislaus County Sheriff Jeff Dirkse defended the practice, stating that trading in used guns saved his department $25,000 the last time they upgraded their arsenal. He likened it to selling old patrol cars, arguing that the department should not be held responsible for how these legally sold items are subsequently used.
The Impact on Families
For families affected by gun violence, the discovery that police weapons are ending up in the hands of criminals is deeply unsettling. Candace Leslie, whose son Cameron was killed with a former police weapon, expressed her frustration and disbelief. “I’m losing trust in the people supposed to protect and serve us,” she said. Leslie’s experience highlights the emotional toll this issue takes on victims’ families.
Alternative Approaches
Some police departments are taking a different approach to handling their used firearms. The Seattle Police Department, for example, melts down its used service weapons to prevent them from being reused in crimes. Seattle changed its policy in 2016, opting to destroy old firearms rather than selling them. Police Chief Adrian Diaz emphasized the importance of preventing police guns from being used violently, saying, “It’s not worth that risk.”
Legislative Challenges
Changing the practice of selling used police firearms would require legislative action. The ATF has stated that while the sale of these guns is legal, Congress would need to pass new laws to make it illegal. Despite the evident risks, there has been no significant movement toward changing this policy at the federal level.
The Philadelphia Example
The CBS investigation also highlighted the situation in Philadelphia, where nearly 900 former police guns were sold legally between 2010 and 2020. Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel noted that while his department was unaware of any of its former weapons turning up at crime scenes, the practice of selling used firearms is common among many law enforcement agencies.
Calls for Change
In the wake of these revelations, there is growing pressure on lawmakers and law enforcement agencies to reconsider their policies on selling used firearms. Democratic lawmakers in Pennsylvania, for example, have called for stricter gun control legislation and more scrutiny of the sale of police weapons.
A Critical Issue
The CBS News investigation has shed light on a critical issue that affects both public safety and the integrity of law enforcement. As thousands of former police guns continue to find their way into the hands of criminals, it is clear that a reevaluation of current practices is necessary. The debate over whether financial savings justify the risks posed by selling used firearms will likely continue, but for many affected by gun violence, the answer is clear: the practice must end.
Holding Police Departments Accountable
What do you think? Should police departments be held accountable for crimes committed with their former firearms? Why or why not? What alternatives to selling used firearms could law enforcement agencies consider to balance budgetary concerns with public safety?
Impact of the Destruction of Used Police Firearms
How can legislation be crafted to prevent former police guns from ending up in the hands of criminals without infringing on lawful sales and ownership? What impact might the destruction of used police firearms have on the overall availability of illegal guns on the streets? How can the public be better informed about the practices of local law enforcement regarding the resale of used firearms?
Source: CBS Mornings / CBS Philadelphia / CBS Chicago
