Firearms have greater lethal potential then any sharp weapons because an individual with a firearm is capable of injuring or killing a large number of people, while maintaining a safe and non-intimate distance with minimal effort (Lamb, 2014: 288). Unintentional injuries can result from firearms and so there is a high need to regulate the manner in which legal firearms are stored, carried, used, and disposed of; most especially from individuals that are more likely to engage in armed violence (Lamb, 2014: 288). Hence a form of legislation and regulation has to be put into place to control the purchase and use of firearms. According to some research studies, countries with a strict firearm legislation and regulation experience a minimal amount of firearm violence (Bellis et al., 2010: 12). Legislation reform can include licensing and registration both for firearm suppliers and owners, bans on certain types of firearms, background psychological check on firearm suppliers and buyers, etc. (Bellis et al., 2010: 12). Disarmament programmes help reduce violence both at national and local levels. The aim is to reduce the number of firearms that are circulating and surrender them to the relevant authorities; which can be enforced by means of military and police operations, and through gun-free zones (Lamb, 2014: 822). The reduction of firearms through these programmes will reduce ownership …show more content…
The nature in which law enforcements will be introduced varies from country to country because of the different environments and the extent in which armed violence is evident (Lamb, 2014: 822). Partnerships between police officers and the community can be helpful in enforcing laws through crime prevention programmes. In fact communities will feel empowered to solve their crime and disorder problems. Police enforcements can also use direct policing which focuses on police enforcements targeting crime hot spots to stop and search suspicious vehicles and individuals that might have firearms on them (Bellis et al., 2010: 17). This is a form of confiscating firearms from armed violence perpetrators. The aforementioned strategies have been successful in different countries for reducing organized crimes (Lamb, 2014: 822). In addition, criminal court systems in low-income countries need to be reformed so that they are able to ensure that citizens are protected. In most cases, if citizens feel unsafe, they will purchase firearms and engage in armed violence to protect themselves and those that they love (Bellis et al., 2010: 19). Thus an effective criminal justice system is vital in reducing and preventing