Sources of firearm acquisition among a sample of inner-city youths: Research results and policy implications

Results are presented from a survey of Two samples of inner-city youths, male high school students and juveniles incarcerated for serious felony offenses, regarding their reported means of acquiring firearms. Both samples, especially the inmate group, report high levels of gun possession and gun carrying. The primary means of acquisition are reported as ''street'' sources from whom illegal purchases are made, followed closely by family and friend's from whom guns are bought or borrowed. Other means, varying from stealing to purchasing from retail outlets, are mentioned less frequently. Policy implications are discussed, beginning with the likelihood that neither-point-of-sale legislation nor more punitive sanctions would deter the acquisition of firearms by these youths. Disruption of street-level gun markets, combined with legal and educational programs discouraging the transfer of guns to youths by family and friends, is suggested as a comprehensive strategy by which the illegal access to firearms among youths can be reduced.