VIOLENCE PREVENTION PROGRAM
FIREARMS

Why is Public Health focusing on firearms when it is not that big of a problem in Santa Clara County?
The Public Health Department Violence Prevention Program is taking a broad approach to violence
prevention, and reducing access to firearms is only one aspect ofa comprehensive program.
Additional aspects include the development ofa data surveillance system and resource inventory to
assess community needs and strengths, assessment and support ofeffective school and community
based violence prevention programs including PeaceBuilders, working with the Domestic Violence
Council and Child Abuse Council to promote and support prevention aspects, working with other
organizations on addressing media violence, and working with the San Jose Gang Prevention Task
Force and Latino Youth Forum in the area of youth violence. We are using the State Attorney
General’s Report, Violence Prevention: A Vision of Hope,as one ofthe sources that guide action
planning from a comprehensive perspective, consistent with the public health approach.

Why do we need any firearm violence prevention effort in Santa Clara County when we don’t have a
significant problem with violence?
A core tenet ofthe public health approach is PREVENTION. We do not want to wait until we have
more injuries and deaths to take action. Any amount of violence carries a significant emotional toll,
as well as cost to the medical and judicial systems. See Santa Clara County Firearm Facts for
more detail on specific data.

Why not wait for the State to pass legislation regarding firearm control?
The State Legislature has not taken action to pass effective legislation, despite having bills introduced
each year. The effects of violence and costs are mostly felt at the local level, and local action is
necessary.

Have any other counties or areas taken such actions in relation to firearms?
Alameda and Contra Costa Counties have taken county-wide action to control firearm violence, as
part ofthe East Bay Public Safety Corridor. Consistent ordinances are being passed by cities within
those jurisdictions. Also, similar efforts are occurring throughout the State and nation to reduce
injuries and deaths resulting from guns.
Do ordinances work in reducing injuries and deaths due to firearms?
The passage ofordinances to control firearm violence has occurred relatively recently, not allowing
for longitudinal studies to be conducted yet. Preliminary data from Alameda and Contra Costa
Counties indicate a reduction in firearm-related crime,injuries and deaths. In Boston,a

comprehensive violence prevention community plan has led to a 80% decrease in the number of
young people murdered with guns between 1990-1995.
What are the parameters of the model ordinances that will be considered across Santa Clara County
cities?

The ordinance addresses the following issues:

Banning the sales of Saturday Night Special “junk” guns
Requiring trigger locks at point of sale
Requiring background checks on employees of gim dealers
Ban residential gun dealers

Are the model ordinance^ consistent with State and Federal law?

Yes. The Legal Cammunity Against Violence(LCAV)has thoroughly researched the legality ofthe
local ordinances anjd confident that they are consistent with and supplement existing State and
Federal law. LCAV has offered to do pro-bono work to support local jurisdictions.

Why is it necessary to have county-wide effort when some areas do not have high crime rates?
Having uniform ordinances in all 15 cities and the County will prevent gun dealers or purchasers
from moving from onejurisdiction to another within the County to avoid regulation. In addition,
firearms are the leading vehicle for suicide among men,a tragedy that occurs in all areas ofthe
county.

Can the County pass ordinances that affect the cities?
No. The County ordinances will only affect the unincorporated areas of Santa Clara County.

How many licensed gun dealers are there in Santa Clara County?
As ofFebruary, 1997,there are 240 licensed gun dealers in the County. This number represents a
decrease from 323 registered in 1996, with the drop probably being due to new regulations and fees
in the National Crime Bill and the Brady Bill.
How does the Firearm Violence Prevention effort and the ordinances affect sporting/recreational use
offirearms?

It does not affect responsible recreational or sporting firearm use.
How can you enforce these ordinances and how much will it cost?
It is not anticipated that there will be any significant cost associated with enforcement. Enforcement
ofthe ordinances will occur within eachjurisdiction as with other regulations such as seat belt law
and sales oftobacco. There are already lists of“junk guns” established and available through the
State law enforcement agencies.

How does the public feel about regulating firearm availability?
A recent public opinion poll, conducted by EDK Associates, surveyed 300 registered voters in Santa
Clara County and foimd that, upon understanding the issues involved,the majority of people support
firearm regulations and would be motivated to contact an elected official to express their concern..
What is or can be the role of the Public Safety and Justice Committee with this effort?

Public Health would be very interested in participating on the Public Safety and Justice Committee to
add a health perspective to the existing focus on law and justice. The causes ofviolence are complex,
and,therefore,the necessary solutions will also need to be complex, with many parts ofthe
community working together. The Committee can enhance collaborative efforts in the community by
promoting the County agencies working closely in partnership with each other, and with community
organizations in all areas ofthe continuum,prevention - intervention - treatment - suppression.

4/4/97

Prepared by Public Health Department/DD