California Legislature Sends Landmark Crime-Fighting Bill to the Governor

Sep 10, 2007

Sacramento, CA - The California Assembly today passed legislation that would provide police with an important new tool in solving gun crimes and apprehending armed criminals and gang members.  The Assembly approved the measure on a concurrence vote of 43-29.  Last Friday, the California State Senate approved the measure 21-17.  The bill now goes to Governor Schwarzenegger's desk.
 
"This is a major victory for police officers around the state.  If signed by the Governor, this law will provide a powerful new tool to solve gun crimes and to help crack down on gang violence and drive-by shootings," said Brady Campaign President Paul Helmke.  "This proven technology will help law enforcement apprehend armed gang members and criminals before they inflict more harm on others, including innocent bystanders.  Giving police tools like this is the common-sense thing to do." 

The Crime Gun Identification Act would require that all new models of semi-automatic handguns sold in the State of California starting in 2010 be equipped with technology to allow police to match bullet casings found at a crime scene to the handgun that fired the bullets. This technology, known as "microstamping," consists of engraving microscopic characters representing the make, model and serial number of a handgun onto its firing pin and other internal surfaces. These characters transfer onto the cartridge casing when the handgun is fired.  In instances of drive-by shootings, where the only evidence at the crime scene may be a spent cartridge case, law enforcement could quickly obtain a critical lead.

Assemblyman Mike Feuer (D-42), a former Los Angeles City Councilmember who recognizes that law enforcement needs more tools to combat gang violence, is the author of the bill.  It is supported by the Los Angeles County Police Chiefs' Association, the Orange County Chiefs' and Sheriff's Association, the Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC), and the Los Angeles Police Protective League, in addition to 65 police chiefs and sheriffs throughout the state.
 
Kay Holmen, the President of the California Brady Campaign Chapters, said, "Since nearly half of all crimes go unsolved in our state, microstamping technology will provide our police officers with solid leads to put armed criminals behind bars.  We applaud the California Legislature for standing with police and gun violence victims throughout the state."

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As the nation's largest, non-partisan, grassroots organization leading the fight to prevent gun violence, the Brady Campaign, with its dedicated network of Million Mom March Chapters, works to enact and enforce sensible gun laws, regulations and public policies. The Brady Campaign is devoted to creating an America free from gun violence, where all Americans are safe at home, at school, at work, and in our communities.

For continuing insight and comment on the gun issue, read Paul Helmke's blog at www.bradycampaign.org/blog/. Visit the Brady Campaign website at www.bradycampaign.org.