EXHIBIT NO. 114.-Photograph of weapons seized by the Atlanta, Ga., Police Department. (Handguns, rifles, and shotguns) EXHIBIT NO. 115.-Photograph of weapons seized by the Atlanta, Ga., Police Department. (Rifles and sawed-off shotguns) EXHIBIT NO. 116.-Photograph of weapons seized by the Atlanta, Ga., Police Department. (Rifles, shotguns, and sawed-off rifles and shotguns) Mr. JENKINS. I believe the control and regulation of firearms can best be compared with the licensing and control of the motor vehicle. They are both among our greatest assets in the hands of responsible people. But they both become an instrument of death and destruction when improperly used, or placed in the hands of the irresponsible. There was a time when a license to drive an automobile was considered an inherent right. But, our streets and highways became congested to the point where it was necessary to initiate a program of control. Today, a license to drive is considered a privilege, subject to rigid regulation and control. This change of public thinking was necessitated in order to protect the law abiding from the lawless, incompetent and irresponsible. In my opinion, we have reached the same point in the regulation and control of firearms. This report could be duplicated by most of the cities over the Nation, especially those in the South. I believe we are badly in need of help and legislation at the Federal level. Mr. Chairman, the views expressed here are my personal views, since the International Association of Chiefs of Police as an association has not had the opportunity to study and report on Senate bill 1592. With some pride I would like to point out that in 1908 the International Association of Chiefs of Police stated in a resolution that its members did most earnestly solicit the cooperation of the President of these United States, the Members of the U.S. Senate and of the House of Representatives, the Governors of the several States and lawmaking bodies of the said States, to take action in the establishment of a uniform law governing the sale and use of dangerous or deadly weapons. At that time, our members resolved to pledge their undivided support and assistance to the accomplishment of this end. Then again in 1922, 1925, 1927, and in 1934, the association adopted similar resolutions, pointing out the rapid increase in crime where firearms were used, and urged additional control and regulations. Mr. Chairman, during the 4-year period, 1960 through 1963, 168 of my colleagues across the Nation were murdered by criminals. In 1960, 28 were slain, in 1961, 37 were killed, in 1962, 48 were murdered, and in 1963, 55 officers of the law met their deaths at the hands of criminals. It can be seen that twice as many law enforcement officers were murdered in 1963 as there were in 1960. Firearms predominated as the weapon used to commit these murders. Thank you very much. Mr. Chairman, in conclusion, I brought along for the committee's information pictures and reports of homicides reported in Atlanta. These reports were just picked at random. I brought them for the purpose of the committee seeing with what ease and in what a nonchalant way many of these killings are committed. There is one report here that states that a fellow visited his neighbor next door in the evening. The neighbor told him later that he wished he would go on home; he needed to get some sleep. The report simply stated he did not go and he shot him. So this is a copy of the reports you might want. Senator DODD. I am sure they will be very interesting. They will be made a part of the record. (The documents referred to were marked "Exhibit No. 117” and are to be found in the subcommittee files.) Senator DODD. I am sure we are grateful for your testimony, because you have the experience. Mr. JENKINS. If I may, I will leave a copy of the police department's annual report for 1964 because it goes into some detail and lists the murders for the last 8 years. It shows the race and section of those involved as well as the report for the first 5 months of this year, which indicates a reduction in crime in the city of Atlanta. I would like to leave that just for your information, please. (The documents referred to were marked "Exhibits Nos. 118, 119, and 120" and are as follows:) 49-588-65- 34 |