Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police:
From their
Position Paper on Gun Control Laws (1976):
The CACP indicates that “. . . It must not be forgotten that violent crime is also committed with stilletos [sic], butcher knives, chains, hammers, and lead pipes to name but a few other instruments . . . It is noteworthy that in the . . . categories which cover the gamut of crime identified with violence and firearms, fundamentally these crimes could have been committed as easily without firearms . . . It is essential to note that in any of these categories those dedicated to the perpetration of crime will not or cannot submit to any law and already disregard existing legislation.” (CACP 1976: 2).
The CACP acknowledges the deterrent effect of civilian gun ownership, stating that “. . . Any restriction or control of firearms may in effect lessen the safeguards of society . . . the peaceful users of firearms would appear to out-number [sic] the criminals somewhere in the proportion of 95 to 5. Firearms used properly are found among the Police, the secret service and other law enforcement officers as well as military personnel and those involved in commercial security and probably the largest group may be found among sportsman and home owners desiring increased protection . . . We will stipulate that alarms and insurance go a long way in offering protection but they do not have the deterrent effect of the firearm which, in the final analysis, may not necessarily be used by its responsible owner. Its presence suffices.” (CACP 1976: 3)
The CACP rejects the notion that weapons cause crime, indicating that “. . . Inanimate objects such as pistols, knives, axes or clubs do not and cannot cause crime. They do not and they cannot supply the motive of the impulse. The causes of crime must be sought elsewhere - in greed, hatred, jealousy, and general moral depravity - and the remedy - if any there be, is more likely to be found in morals and education in improved Police methods of detection, and in the more prompt and certain imposition of punishment. This is safeguarding society.” (CACP 1976: 4). The CACP concludes that firearm registration is “. . . unrealistic and administratively unworkable,” and that the “. . . registration of firearms, serializing and licensing will not act [as] a deterrent to violence and will not necessarily identify the person perpetrating the crime."
lifted from the CSSA' reference work
For Their Own Good - Firearm Control in Canada 1946-1977