Most of us agree that gun violence in North America is a problem. Many studies and statistics demonstrate that gun violence is worsening and will continue to do so in the future. Where disagreement exists among many is what should be the response to rising violence.
Action can mean any of several initiatives proposed by security experts, government officials, and activists. Based on the data, here is how to reduce gun violence in the future.
Less Guns and Not More Guns
Arming more individuals has been statistically shown to increase gun violence risk and not reduce it. Fewer guns are more effective and less dangerous. If you are a security guard or a police officer, managing a gun is essential. For an everyday citizen, however, a future with more guns is a future with more violence.
Opting for Data-Backed Legislation
Too often, gun violence ends up in a debate of political ideologies when all it is is an opportunity to frame legislation based on data. Many studies highlight which security measures work and which don’t.
Instead of leaning towards political stances on gun violence, to reduce gun violence, it’s important to have data-backed legislation that prioritizes safety over politics.
Reducing Smuggling, Trafficking, and Illegal Firearms
Canada does an excellent job of monitoring gun sales. However, smuggling and trafficking still bring hundreds of guns over the border every year.
These end up in the hands of criminals or people selling guns. More efforts to reduce smuggling and trafficking will mean less chance that someone mentally unwell can obtain a gun.
Reducing Access to Military-Style Automatic Assault Guns
Assault-style firearms have no place in modern society. Unlike regular guns, assault rifles are designed for the military. They can injure a lot of people quickly and pose a significant risk.
The fewer of these guns in circulation, the safer our communities are, which is why Canada has limited access to them, freezing the market for this style of firearm.
Advanced Weapon Detection Technology Is Effective
Gun detection systems are advanced enough to perform a fast, non-invasive scan of anyone who passes by. These systems detect concealed guns, knives, and other weapons.
Machine learning and AI allow for the analysis of real-time data and the contact of relevant parties to identify potential threats quickly.
Provide Support to Disproportionately Impacted Communities
Communities that face higher risks or are more affected by gun violence need resources the most. Providing mental health support and anti-gun violence messages in these areas can save lives. It can help shift at-risk individuals toward non-violent communication and self-expression.
Recognize Gun Violence as a Public Health Crisis
Treat gun violence as a preventable public health crisis – because it is. A society that is serious about reducing gun violence can do so when it offers and expands access to culturally competent mental health supports that address social and emotional trauma. Trauma and mental health difficulties are often the source of gun violence.
Encourage Limits on Gun Access
Sensible gun use and a safety culture are major priorities around gun violence. It’s not enough, however, to reduce easy access to dangerous weapons. It’s also key to encouraging safe handling, reinforcing mandatory training, and educating on safe and secure gun storage.
Establishing Security for At-risk Environments
Environments where gun violence is most likely to occur include schools, places of worship, shopping malls, movie theatres, concert venues, nightclubs, workplaces, and neighborhoods.
Security and safety planning must be in place for these settings. This includes redesigning the layout to minimize security breaches and reduce the extent of gun violence if an incident occurs.
Creating Security Layouts Against Launching a Gun Attack
In designing the layout of a setting such as a school, one can slow down a gun violence perpetrator.
With door locks, obstructions, and limits to how quickly a person can move through the environment, this means that if there is gun violence, the damage caused by it is likely to be limited compared to a more open layout wherein a criminal can move fast.
Crisis Intervention Training for Security Personnel
De-escalation and crisis intervention are incredibly significant for law enforcement and security personnel. They may be the difference between gun violence or not. More de-escalation training in the future and growing the audience of people who engage with it can mean safer environments.
Use Security Technology to Reduce Gun Violence
In addition to weapon detection, there is a wide range of advanced gun safety technology. These include fingerprint scanning, PIN codes, RFID chips, and video surveillance scanning.
With existing AI technology, it has become easier to find, track, and manage guns and violent threats. More security technology is sure to be implemented to control guns’ rising influence in society.