Guns probably are used infrequently in self-defense because the criminals often rely on stealth, surprise, or sudden force to achieve their goal. Few victims have sufficient time to secure a weapon. The computer systems of many medical care facilities and law enforcement agencies do not lend themselves to tracking nonfatal data. The weapon used in most cases was a handgun. In Memphis, handguns were used in 87 percent of gun-related assaults where the type of weapon was recorded.
Handguns account for about one-third of all privately owned firearms in the United States.
Researchers have found they needed both hospital emergency reports and police offense reports, but gathering this information is cumbersome and slow. The Emory University team was surprised to learn that even in States where reporting is legally mandated, health care providers do not always notify police of a gunshot wound, often because they are told by the person seeking medical assistance that the police were already notified. Whereas a law enforcement officer would view such claims with skepticism, physicians almost always take the patient at his word. Designed to break the link between youths and guns, the program will involve young people as well as culturally sensitive and appropriate media messages, school-based education, neighborhood groups, and support from grassroots organizations. In addition, under a new Georgia State law, juvenile offenders using guns will be referred to and handled by the adult court.