Gun Policy

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  • Gun Policy in America

    Project

    Informing the Gun Policy Debate

    RAND's Gun Policy in America initiative provides information on what scientific research can tell us about the effects of gun laws. Our goal is to establish a shared set of facts that will improve public discussions and support the development of fair and effective gun policies.

    Jan 10, 2023

  • White roses and an American flag are seen in a memorial outside Robb Elementary, where a gunman killed 19 children and two teachers, in Uvalde, Texas, November 29, 2022, photo by Marco Bello/Reuters

    Report

    What Do Teachers Think About Carrying Guns to School?

    U.S. teachers are divided on whether arming themselves would make schools safer. One in five feels that carrying a gun would make schools safer and would do so if allowed. More than half believe teacher-carry policies would make schools less safe. And teachers' top safety concern is bullying, not guns.

    May 30, 2023

Explore Gun Policy

  • Disassembled handgun

    Report

    The Science of Gun Policy: First Edition

    What does the scientific evidence tell us about the effects of gun policies? Part of the RAND Gun Policy in America initiative, this report assesses the available evidence for the effects of commonly proposed gun laws on firearm deaths, violent crime, suicide, the gun industry, hunting and sport shooting, and other outcomes.

    Mar 2, 2018

  • Barbara Hytower, holding a photo of her daughter Jamila who was murdered in Myrtle Beach, stands with other members of South Carolina Mothers Against Violence before the start of a rally, February 25, 2016

    Commentary

    Domestic Warning Signs of Mass Shootings

    After shootings, there is inevitably public debate over gun safety, constitutional rights, police tactics, terrorism, race, and politics. But these discussions rarely focus on a common factor among the perpetrators: a history of violence against women.

    Aug 6, 2016

  • Police investigate the scene of a shooting at a federal office building in Lower Manhattan, New York, August 21, 2015

    Report

    Evaluating a Study of State Gun Policies

    A RAND study team reviewed an article in The Lancet on the effects of state firearm laws and found problems in its methods and findings. The assessment provides a detailed account of the errors and statistical support for the team's conclusions.

    Jul 14, 2016

  • Over 5,000 weapons confiscated from criminals in Los Angeles County and collected through a gun buyback program were melted and reformed as steel in Rancho Cucamonga, California, July 2013

    Commentary

    Gun Violence: Where Is the Research That Might Save Lives?

    Gun violence is an important public health problem that accounts for more than 33,000 deaths each year in the United States. But in 1996, Congress stripped the CDC of funding for any research that could be associated with gun control advocacy. The lack of CDC funding has deterred researchers.

    Nov 5, 2015

  • A Glock 22 pistol is displayed at the Rocky Mountain Guns and Ammo store in Parker, Colorado, July 24, 2012

    Commentary

    Firearms and Gun Control: Many Questions, Some Answers

    Guns claim the lives of thousands of people in America every year. But the problem of gun violence is larger and much more complex than mass shootings. What does research say about how to reduce firearm-related deaths?

    Jan 17, 2013

  • People

    People

    Amanda Charbonneau

  • People

    People

    Andrew R. Morral

  • People

    People

    Danielle Sobol

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