National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO) Supports McCain-Lieberman Bill - Americans for Gun Safety

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National Association of Police Organizations

National Association of Police Organizations, Inc. (NAPO)
750 First Street, N.E., Suite 920
Washington, D.C. 20002
www.napo.org

May 14, 2001
The Honorable Joseph Lieberman
The Honorable John McCain
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510

Dear Senators Lieberman and McCain:

Please be advised that the National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO) fully supports you in the introduction of legislation to require background checks at guns shows, crack down on gun crimes and to provide funding for federal, State and local law enforcement to deter and prosecute gun crimes.

NAPO is ready to join you in the fight to pass this bi-partisan legislation, which if enacted would end the 'gun-show loophole' and assist law enforcement in gun crime enforcement. NAPO is a coalition of police unions and associations from across the United States that serves in Washington, DC to advance the interests of America's law enforcement officers through legislative and legal advocacy, political action and education. Founded in 1978, NAPO now represents 4,000 unions and associations and 230,000 sworn law enforcement officers.

Under current law, licensed gun dealers are required to perform background checks at gun shows. However, in thirty-two states unlicensed sellers are not required to conduct background checks, leaving a loophole in the system and creating an opportunity for criminals to illegally purchase weapons. Every day law enforcement officers put their lives on the line. We do not need a system that easily allows for violent criminals to obtain weapons that jeopardize both the safety of the public and of law enforcement. NAPO supports a system that not only prosecutes those individuals who commit crimes with a firearm, but also that helps stop criminals from getting guns in the first place.

NAPO has not actively endorsed any gun legislation since the successful enactment of the Brady bill and the ban on assault weapons. However, we feel that closing the 'gun show loophole' is an important issue in maintaining public safety.

We applaud your effort in the fight against crime. If we can be of any assistance please have your staff contact the NAPO office at (202) 842-4420.

Sincerely,

Robert T. Scully
Executive Director

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