Citation

Monuteaux MC, Lee LK, Hemenway DA, Mannix R, Fleegler EW. Am. J. Prev. Med. 2015; 49(2): 207-214.

Affiliation

Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.amepre.2015.02.008

PMID

26091930

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Although some view the ownership of firearms as a deterrent to crime, the relationship between population-level firearm ownership rates and violent criminal perpetration is unclear. The purpose of this study is to test the association between state-level firearm ownership and violent crime.

METHODS: State-level rates of household firearm ownership and annual rates of criminal acts from 2001, 2002, and 2004 were analyzed in 2014. Firearm ownership rates were taken from a national survey and crime data were taken from the Federal Bureau of Investigation Uniform Crime Reports. Rates of criminal behavior were estimated as a function of household gun ownership using negative binomial regression models, controlling for several demographic factors.

RESULTS: Higher levels of firearm ownership were associated with higher levels of firearm assault and firearm robbery. There was also a significant association between firearm ownership and firearm homicide, as well as overall homicide.

CONCLUSIONS: The findings do not support the hypothesis that higher population firearm ownership rates reduce firearm-associated criminal perpetration. On the contrary, evidence shows that states with higher levels of firearm ownership have an increased risk for violent crimes perpetrated with a firearm. Public health stakeholders should consider the outcomes associated with private firearm ownership.

Language: en