IACP release gun violence report

WASHINGTON, Sept. 20 (UPI) -- The Washington-based Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence has announced its support for a report by the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

The report recently released by the IACP called "Taking a Stand: Reducing Gun Violence in Our Communities" makes 39 recommendations to combat gun violence.

Paul Helmke, president of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, called the report a "clear road map from the nation's police chiefs of steps we can take now to combat gun violence," in a statement. "Our nation's police are on the front lines in the fight for public safety. In this landmark report, police leaders are saying they are tired of the nation's gun policies being held hostage by the special interest gun lobby."

The IACP recommended in the report that Congress, along with state, local and tribal governments, should enact laws requiring that all gun sales and transfers proceed through a federally licensed firearms dealer, enact effective bans on .50 caliber sniper rifles and armor-piercing handgun ammunition and enact legislation to allow federal health and safety oversight of the firearms industry among others.

"The police chiefs have set out a strong, reasonable, agenda for action," Helmke said. "The Brady Campaign supports it, as should every American who wants sensible action to save lives."