Law enforcement halts gun resales to prevent crimes

More than a dozen law enforcement departments are stopping the practice of reselling used guns. This change comes after an investigation showed that many former police guns have been linked to crimes, including homicides and domestic violence, from 2006 to 2022. The investigation by The Trace, CBS News, and Reveal found that over 52,000 used police guns resurfaced at crime scenes. Many of these guns were sold to civilians after police agencies traded them for discounts on new equipment or sold them to their officers. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) warned against reselling due to the link between these guns and violent crimes. Twenty-one police departments responded to questions about their gun resale policies. Four departments have confirmed they will stop reselling guns: Cincinnati, Columbus, and Sacramento police departments, and the Monmouth County Sheriff's Office in New Jersey. Others, including the Wisconsin State Patrol and New York State Police, are reviewing their policies. Some departments worry about the costs. Selling guns helps offset expenses for new gear, which can save taxpayer money. However, agencies that choose to destroy old guns must pay for that service without the trade-in value. One police chief expressed regret but said his department cannot afford to change its policy. In Kentucky, a state law requires agencies to sell unwanted guns, which complicates efforts to prevent gun violence. A past incident involved a gun sold to a retiring detective that ended up at a crime scene. Experts say the cost of violence caused by resold guns can far exceed the savings from such trade-ins. An Iowa State University study estimated that a single homicide can cost over $17 million when including emergency response and other related expenses. The ATF also reported finding many former police guns linked to violent crimes. Despite warnings, some believe that the existing availability of firearms makes the practice of destroying guns less impactful. Calls for cities to fully fund police equipment purchases so departments do not have to rely on selling old guns continue, but that remains a challenge. Changes in policy may be slow, but the discussion around the issue is gaining attention.