Federal Officials Warn Police Agencies About Reselling Guns to Public
In a shocking revelation, federal officials have issued a stern warning to police agencies regarding the dangerous practice of reselling guns to the public. This comes in the wake of a CBS News investigation that uncovered the alarming trend of former law enforcement weapons being used in crimes, often with fatal consequences.
The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) has released new data highlighting the risks associated with reselling police firearms. The report, which was issued on Wednesday, revealed that over a five-year period from 2019 to 2023, more than 1,000 people were killed by guns that once belonged to U.S. police departments. This translates to about four deaths every week. Additionally, the report cited that more than 2,500 other violent crimes were committed using resold police guns.
The Crux of the Issue: Resale of Police Guns
The practice of police departments selling their used service weapons to gun dealers has been a common occurrence. These dealers, in turn, offer discounts on new firearms and resell the old police weapons to members of the public. This system mirrors the trade-in process seen in cellphone stores, where customers exchange old phones for discounts on new ones.
A CBS News investigation, conducted in collaboration with The Trace and Reveal from the Center for Investigative Reporting, revealed a disturbing trend. More than 50,000 guns sold by police departments have been used in crimes, including murder, since 2006. The analysis conducted by CBS News identified specific instances where police guns were linked to violent crimes, including fatal shootings.
Expert Concerns and Recommendations
Concerns regarding the resale of police guns have been raised by experts, including the International Association of Chiefs of Police, as far back as 1998. Despite these warnings, the practice remains prevalent, with approximately 90% of police agencies surveyed admitting to selling used guns.
The ATF’s report urges law enforcement agencies to reconsider the implications of selling their used weapons, particularly highlighting the frequency with which these firearms are used in violent crimes. While the ATF stopped short of explicitly advising against the practice, some departments have taken proactive measures. For instance, the Minneapolis Police Department ceased gun sales after being presented with the findings of the CBS News investigation in 2024.
A Personal Plea for Change
Candace Leslie, the mother of Cameron Brown, a 19-year-old victim of a 2021 shooting involving a gun sold by a sheriff’s department in California, emphasized the human toll of these incidents. Despite understanding the financial incentives that drive departments to sell guns, Leslie implores authorities to prioritize human lives over monetary gains.
“I think a lot of times that we are viewing things from a money viewpoint,” Leslie expressed. “We need to get back to the human side of life, and look at lives as being just as important as the money they’re trying to raise.”
As the debate over the resale of police guns continues, it is evident that the stakes are high, and the need for reflection and action is paramount. Stay tuned for further developments on this pressing issue.
– Chris Hacker, Investigative Data Journalist at CBS News
