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The Center and the Consortium for Risk-based Firearm Policy have released a new report, “Firearm Purchaser Licensing: Research Evidence to Inform State Policy”. This report compiles the latest data on firearm purchaser licensing (FPL), while providing policy recommendations for implementation in states across the country.  

Research has found that states with strong FPL laws have lower rates of firearm violence. FPL Laws are associated with an 11% reduction in gun homicides in urban counties. Data also suggests these policies can reduce firearm suicides. These laws have also shown themselves to be an effective deterrent for criminal use of firearms when the policies include fingerprinting and an in-person application component. 

The report recommends 5 key components for an effective FPL policy:  

• Proof of firearms safety training 
• Fingerprinting 
• In-person applications  
• Comprehensive background checks  
• Waiting periods between application and possession of a firearm 

Research shows that FPL laws with these requirements can help create stronger accountability mechanisms that help prevent firearm death and injury.  

"There is solid evidence that when states adopt firearm purchaser licensing laws with measures like safety training and background checks, reductions in gun-related homicides and suicides follow," says Silvia Villarreal, MPP, the report’s lead author.   

Firearm purchaser licensing is one of the Center’s five key priorities to help reduce gun violence by 30% by 2030. If implemented correctly, these policy recommendations will help us further understand how to effectively accomplish our goal.  

The center has also created a series of videos with more information from the report.  

Researchers at the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions have released a new study identifying the distinct characteristics of juvenile victims of police shootings compared to adult victims. The study, which analyzes over 10,000 police shootings found in the Gun Violence Archive reported from 2015-2020, sheds light on significant disparities for juveniles and calls for specific police reforms.   

 Results of the study found that 317 juveniles were involved in police shootings in the years reviewed, with 33% fatally injured. The data shows race and gender represented the largest difference between adults and juveniles. The study authors suggest police departments prioritize restricting the use of force, while also creating intervention systems to prevent harm. 

“In light of our findings, one avenue forward is to implement strategies that enhance police officer knowledge, skills, and competencies as they pertain to child and adolescent development,” says Dylan B. Jackson, PhD, MS, associate professor in the Bloomberg School’s Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health and lead author of the study.  

This month, our Center’s Law and Policy Advisor, Tim Carey, JD, delivered a well-received presentation to advocates and changemakers on the current landscape of Second Amendment law during Colorado Ceasefire's Gun Violence Advocacy Day on February 6th, 2025. The presentation was given from a legal perspective, with a strong focus on how Second Amendment law has changed in the last 20 years.  

“Gun violence shouldn’t be so prevalent in our communities. My grandchildren have had active shooter drills; people in malls can feel as though they are in a war zone. Easy access to guns breeds deadly consequences.   

This is why I am passionate about supporting the Center's research and advocacy for solutions to the gun violence epidemic. The ripple effect of gun tragedies affects everyone.  The Center's work promises different outcomes. I believe they are making a difference! This is why I donate." 

-Derry, CA 

Will you join Renee to help save lives by making a gift today? 

BSPH Public Health On Call Podcast: Episode 858 - A Safer Gun Buying Process 

PennLive: We must do more to protect healthcare workers from gun violence | Opinion 

The Seattle Times: After September’s deadly school shooting in Georgia, a call goes out for greater gun control 

WHYY (PBS/NPR): Pa. legislators push for Extreme Risk Protection Orders to prevent firearm suicides 

Virginia Mercury: Proposed anti-gun violence center an asset, should be embraced 

Bloomberg American Health Initiative: How Income Inequality and Racial Composition Relate to Fatal Police Shootings in the U.S. Counties 

Hawaii Business Magazine: More Guns, More Gun Violence in Hawai‘i 

WTTW (PBS): Chicago Was a Pioneer in Violence Interruption. Cities Across the Country Are Now Evolving the Approach | FIRSTHAND: Peacekeepers 

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The Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
750 E. Pratt St
14th Floor
Baltimore, MD 21202
United States 

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