Offender Perceptions of Firearm Desirability: Lessons from a Closed Market

• In Event: International Issues of Violence

Abstract

There is currently little understanding of firearms procurement networks in England and Wales. Through understanding what firearms offenders use; why they select these weapons; and how they were procured, important lessons can be learnt for law enforcement.

This paper will report the findings of qualitative interviews undertaken with individuals convicted of firearms offences in England and Wales, ranging from possession of a firearm to Homicide. The complex interplay between the availability of weapons (or lack thereof) in the British firearms market, and the desirability of individual weapons systems to offenders will be explored. The influence of offence planning will also be considered, exploring how offenders may tailor firearm procurement decisions to the offence they intend to commit. Findings will be considered in relation to the closed firearm market of the United Kingdom, and compared to findings from similar studies within other firearms markets, particularly the USA.

Author

• Kate Gibson, University College London