Universal Background Checks

Audience

Strategy

Comprehensive background checks performed on potential firearm purchasers reduce the number of guns being diverted to the illegal gun market and increase the number of prohibited persons stopped from purchasing a gun or being denied a permit to purchase a gun. The FBI also recommends extending the three-day wait time to allow a more thorough and complete investigation.

Specific programs and implementation sites:

Nearly half of U.S. states have extended background check laws

Helpful resources and citations:

National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), FBI

Primary implementing agency:

Legislature

Potential partnering agencies:

No partnership required

Links to evaluation evidence:

The Effects of Background Checks,  Promising

PSN Pillars

Prevention and Intervention

Consent to Search and Seize Program

Gun Buy-Back or Turn-In Programs

Gun Courts

Gun Dealer Records Maintenance

Gun Licensing

Gun Prosecution Case Screening

Gun Violence Prevention Hotlines

Gunshot Detection Technology

Homicide Investigations and Prosecutions Assessment – PSN Resource

Homicide Review Commissions

Hospital-Policing Partnerships

Identifying and Responding to Chronic Offenders

Lost/Stolen Gun Reporting

Mentoring

Individually Focused

National Instant Criminal Background Check System Denials Investigations

Public Awareness Campaigns

Regulating Bulk Firearm Purchases

Promote Safe Storage of Firearms

Search and Seize Policy – Domestic Violence

Street Outreach Workers

Community-based Violence Intervention (CVI)

Youth Counseling

School-Based Youth Development Programs

Cure Violence

Community-based Violence Intervention (CVI)

Extreme Risk Protection Orders

Credible Messenger Program

Community-based Violence Intervention (CVI)

Comprehensive Youth Violence Prevention Programs

Individually Focused

Focused Deterrence

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Universal Background Checks

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