Gun Crime

Summary

Gun crime encompasses offenses such as violence against the person, robbery, burglary, and sexual offenses, where firearms are involved. A firearm is considered involved in an offense if it is fired, used as a blunt weapon, or brandished as a threat. The presence of a firearm, whether real or imitation, should be perceived by the victim; incidents are counted even when the firearm is concealed as long as there is evidence that the suspect intended to create that impression. This definition, termed the Crimsec 30 definition, is crucial for police officers investigating gun-related offenses. The page also offers resources and references related to gun crime, emphasizing that this material should be used alongside existing guidelines on armed policing and major investigations.

Key principles

• 1Gun crime includes offenses where firearms are present.
• 2Firearms can be real, fake, or air weapons.
• 3Victim perception of firearms counts even if concealed.
• 4The definition includes a range of serious offenses.
• 5Resources provided are to supplement existing APP guidelines.

Defined terms

gun crime

Crime (violence against the person, robbery, burglary and sexual offences) in which guns are taken to be involved in an offence. A gun is taken to be involved in an offence if it is fired, used as a blunt instrument, or used as a threat.