According to research published in the journal Justice Quarterly, the Massachusetts gun restriction laws enacted to help reduce gun violence in communities did not have an immediate impact.
A researcher from American University in Washington, D.C., conducted the study.
“Gun violence is at the forefront of the public policy debate when it comes to implementing new or enhancing current gun regulations in the United States,” the study’s author stated in a press statement.
“Yet the political polarization and relatively limited scholarly research on guns and gun violence make it difficult for policymakers and practitioners to enact and implement legislation that addresses the public health and safety issues associated with gun violence.”
The findings indicate that after the passage of gun control laws in 2014, any effectiveness in decreasing gun violence was deemed inadequate.
The researcher examined Firearms Records Bureau data between 2006 and 2016, establishing mixed results on gun control laws and enforcement effectiveness.
The findings demonstrate the importance of re-exploring the passage of the legislation and its impact.
