The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced plans to assist law enforcement agencies in sharing the criminal and mental health history of individuals under 21 through the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System. Additionally, the DOJ has developed resources to aid small and rural law enforcement agencies in dealing with mass shootings.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland stated that the DOJ is committed to combating gun violence and saving lives, emphasizing that these actions are part of their ongoing efforts to implement the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act.
The development of these resources was prompted by criticism faced by law enforcement agencies in Uvalde, Texas following a shooting at Robb Elementary School on May 24, 2022. A report from the DOJ revealed that it took law enforcement 77 minutes to engage with the shooter, leading community members and relatives of victims to believe that this delay contributed to the high death toll.
In response, the DOJ has released a checklist for relevant training and established a resource webpage for small and rural agencies based on recommendations from their report.
Furthermore, the DOJ aims to address gaps in the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act requires background checks for gun purchasers under 21 by examining their criminal and mental health history. However, some juvenile justice systems, mental health systems, states, and territories restrict information sharing related to this matter.
To address this issue, model legislation has been released as a template for states interested in permitting greater information-sharing with NICS solely for enhanced background checks.
The firearms industry supports efforts to prevent prohibited individuals from accessing guns. Mark Oliva from the National Shooting Sports Foundation emphasized that accurate information is crucial for gun retailers’ compliance with background check requirements.
Additionally, grants totaling $85 million will be issued through the Office of Justice Programs’ Community Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiative. These funds will support hospital-based violence intervention programs as well as street outreach initiatives aimed at training personnel while providing technical assistance and research opportunities for intervention programs.
Moreover, over $135 million will be allocated across 48 states under the Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program specifically designated for red flag programs and related crisis intervention court proceedings.
While expressing support for red flag grants if due process rights are protected under existing laws, Oliva raised concerns regarding current provisions lacking such protections.
In addition to requiring background checks for gun purchasers under 21 years old,the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act also provides funding for community safety initiatives and mental health programs while amending definitions pertaining to firearms retailers and strengthening background check requirements.
