On Q Professional Investigations

A record number of guns were found in passengers’ carry-on luggage at airport security checkpoints during one week in September, according to the Transportation Security Agency.

TSA agents discovered 67 guns in carry-on luggage in airports across the country during the week that ended Sept. 17, according to the agency, which said the tally for the week broke a previous record of 65 firearms found during one week in May 2013. Of those 67 guns, 56 were loaded and 26 had a round chambered, according to the TSA.

Throwing stars, stun guns, gunpowder and belt buckle knives were also found during the second full week in September, the TSA said.

“Unfortunately these sorts of occurrences are all too frequent which is why we talk about these finds … This is a friendly reminder to please leave these items at home,” the TSA says in its weekly disclosure of weapon discoveries. The TSA adds that most passengers who pack heat in their carry-ons have “no ill intent.”

“In many cases, people simply forgot they had these items,” according to the TSA.

Guns and gun parts are prohibited in carry-on luggage, but passengers can check these items if they declare them with the airline, according to the TSA. Those who don’t follow the guidelines can face fines up to $11,000.

Read More

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) — Newport News Police and the ATF are investigating a gun store burglary that happened overnight.

Police said they responded to an alarm at The Marksman, a firearms training center, shooting sports retailer and indoor shooting range, located in the 500 block of Industrial Park Drive, just before 2 a.m. Officers said they found a car had been driven through the building and was completely inside. Several guns were taken, but no suspects were at the scene, police said.

The car is a 2006 Lincoln and it was stolen from the Kiln Creek area of Newport News between 6 p.m. on Monday and 6 p.m. Tuesday, police said. The keys were left in the car.

Business owner George McClain said surveillance video shows it all happened in minutes.

“They backed the car up to the curb there and then put black marks down. They floored it, and so when they hit the wall, they hit it full speed. Our security video shows the car penetrating the wall, and when it did, the front tires were in excess of 12 inches off the ground, so they were coming in pretty good,” he said.

McClain thinks the burglars planned the crime carefully, and took at least 25 guns, valued at approximately $450 each.

“It’s very obvious, looking at the videos, that they knew exactly where the guns were. They didn’t waste any time looking some place else or looking for the guns. They went right to them, so this is somebody that has been in the store and they were there for a reason…Everyone wants to talk about, you know, the guns are the problem. It’s not the guns. It’s these type of individuals,” McClain said.

The ATF’s industry operations investigators and Violent Crimes Task Force are also working on the case.

Anyone with information on the burglary or the stolen car is asked to call the Newport News Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.

View Source

Throwing all manner of mud at the wall to see what might stick, Michael Bloomberg’s number-crunchers and whoever produces “reports” for the Brady Campaign nowadays have decided, as gun control supporters do, to try promoting gun control as the solution to suicide.

From their perspective, it makes sense to give it a try, since firearm murder and firearm accident death rates are at historic lows, the American people increasingly say that firearms help protect people from crime, and each of the anti-gunners’ attempts to promote gun control in knee-jerk reaction to high-profile crimes has motivated Americans to buy more guns.

A new study by researchers at Bloomberg’s Center for Gun Policy at Johns Hopkins University contends that if you juggle the numbers a certain way, suicide rates might hinge on whether a state requires a permit to purchase a handgun, while the Brady Campaign tries to link suicide rates to gun availability in general.

Dealing with the subject of suicide requires the anti-gunners to get creative, however. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data, which cover years 1981 through 2013—incidentally, a period in which Americans acquired an additional 195 million firearms—the firearm suicide rate (the number of suicides per 100,000 population) decreased five percent, while the non-firearm suicide rate increased 27 percent.

Read More

The McAlester School Board voted to keep a policy that prohibits qualified teachers from carrying guns on campus.

The McAlester Public School board looked into the district’s gun policy Monday night after the legislature made changes to state law. The superintendent said guns don’t belong in the classroom, and ultimately, the board agreed.

McAlester Schools has its own campus police department consisting of Chief Chuck Campbell and one part-time officer. They are allowed to carry handguns on campus.

“It’s sad, but nowadays with the dangers in society and the way things have gone, it’s a necessity,” said Chief Campbell said.

But the school board was set to vote on whether qualified school employees, including teachers, could to do the same.

“Of course, safety’s always a concern for our students, and we’re a fairly small school district and if needed, Officer Campbell or Officer Moore are always close,” said McAlester Superintendent Marsha Gore.

“Having a police department as a part of our school system has worked well through the years, and as of right now, we feel that’s the best way to continue.”

In May, Governor Fallin signed a bill allowing certain personnel to carry handguns on school property. The law says school employees must have an armed security guard license or a reserve peace officer certification.

It’s up to each district’s school board to decide if employees can be armed on campus.

Right now there are four McAlester employees who meet the qualifications. None of them is a teacher.

Read More

Several recent studies have called for improved imaging technology and matching algorithms to support firearm identification. The author investigated and developed a novel, accurate, and low-cost system for structural 3D imaging and comparison of cartridge cases.

He was able to demonstrate the system’s potential for increasing the quality and reducing the cost of forensic analyses. The project, named Top-Match, combines the recently developed GelSight high-resolution surface topography imaging system with state-of-the-art algorithms for matching structural features.

Compared to competing technologies, the author’s GelSight-based system is fast, inexpensive, and not sensitive to the optical properties of the material being measured. The project aimed to extend the system to measure and compare striated toolmarks (e.g., aperture shear), to integrate these marks into the scoring function, and to investigate matching algorithms for comparing 3D surface topographies captured using different imaging modalities (e.g., GelSight vs. confocal microscopy).

The author developed a robust algorithm for extracting the linear profile of aperture shears. This method is able to extract profiles from curved, flat, or arced shears. Manual examination of the extracted profiles shows informative profiles can be extracted for approximately 88 percent of Glock casings.

These linear profiles can then be matched as part of a matching algorithm, which demonstrates a significant improvement in Glock matching ability when the shears are considered.

The author created an open file format (X3P) for the free exchange of 3D surface topography data. This format allowed collaboration with his colleagues at National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). They demonstrated that cross-modality matching is possible and that, in many cases, it works extremely well.

To achieve these results, the confocal scans required simple preprocessing (mainly interpolation of drop-outs and denoising with a low-pass filter). The system is able to accurately identify known matches when scans were acquired with GelSight or Confocal scanning systems. The algorithm was also able to identify known matches where one scan is a GelSight scan and the other is a Confocal scan.

View Source

TALLAHASSEE – Florida, which already has the most concealed-weapon licenses in the nation, is now fast-tracking the process for active-duty military members and honorably discharged veterans.

Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam announced Monday that active and retired service members will immediately begin to get top priority when applying for the licenses.

The expedited process is part of the state’s reaction to a shooting rampage in Tennessee in which four Marines and a sailor were killed on July 16.

“The men and women who serve and have served our country deserve all of the support we can provide,” Putnam said in a prepared statement.

The announcement expands upon an executive order issued July 18 by Gov. Rick Scott. The executive order included a requirement that preference be given to members of the Florida National Guard when applying for concealed-weapon licenses.

The order also directed Adjutant Gen. Michael Calhoun to temporarily move National Guard members from six “storefront” recruitment centers to armories and to work with local law-enforcement agencies to arrange regular security checks of armories.

Putnam expanded the license fast-tracking to include all military members.

Active members of the military are advised to include copies of their Common Access Cards or other forms of official military identification with their applications. Veterans have to file copies of their DD 214 long forms with their applications to get fast-tracked.

The state agency hasn’t estimated how many members of the military and veterans will take advantage of the expedited process, said Putnam spokeswoman Jennifer Meale.

Currently, there are more than 1.41 million concealed-weapon licenses issued in Florida, according to the state Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, which administers the program.

The state went over the 1 million mark in December 2012, becoming the first state in the nation to surpass that figure.

Pennsylvania, which does not post its concealed-weapon numbers, has reportedly joined Florida in surpassing the 1 million mark.

According to a 2014 study from the Pennsylvania-based Crime Prevention Research Center, Texas has issued the third most concealed-carry permits among the states.

There were 825,957 concealed-carry permits in Texas as of Dec. 31, 2014, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Meanwhile, Florida lawmakers in 2014 made it more convenient to apply for a concealed-carry licenses by allowing county tax collectors’ offices to accept applications.

So far, 13 offices — Brevard, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lee, Marion, Martin, Nassau, Okaloosa, Pasco, Pinellas, St. Johns and Walton — accept the applications.

View Source

As if misguided anti-gun policies that leave our fighting men and women defenseless stateside weren’t enough, some gun control advocates are intent on reviving a Clinton-era gun control tactic that would pose a danger to our military in the field.

In an opinion piece for the Saturday edition of the New York Times, several representatives of the Metro Industrial Areas Foundation, described as a group “aimed at building power for social change,” encouraged President Obama to inject gun control politics into federal firearms acquisition procedure.

More specifically, Metro-IAF wants the president to exercise the federal government’s purchasing power to reward firearms manufacturers that acquiesce to “voluntary” gun control measures in its dealings with civilian gun owners, and punish those that refuse to curb the rights of American gun owners.

According to the group, “For the government to keep buying guns from these companies — purchases meant to ensure public safety — without making demands for change is to squander its leverage.”

The first organization Metro-IAF would like to foist their gun control experiment on is the U.S. Army.

The group states, “The Pentagon is in the process of selecting the provider of handguns for the United States Army. It should require all bidders to provide detailed information about their gun safety technologies and distribution practices in the civilian market. No response, no contract.”

Another target specifically mentioned by Metro-IAF is the FBI. However, it appears the group would like to extend this strategy to all of federal law enforcement.

Under the group’s plan, in order to compete for federal contracts, manufacturers would be required to fund unprofitable “smart gun” technology, only sell through dealers that will not complete a sale following a delayed NICS check that extends past the three-day safety-valve provision (a potential gun ban for the significant number of persons wrongfully delayed each year), and “distribute their guns exclusively through dealers that sell guns responsibly.”

Read More

It’s now legal for visitors to enter the Kansas Capitol carrying a concealed firearm without a permit.

Concealed carry became legal in the Capitol last year. A person could take a gun in if he or she presented a permit to the Kansas Highway Patrol officers who provide security at the entrance.

This year, the Legislature passed a bill lifting the requirement that a person get a permit to carry a concealed firearm.

That law, which went into effect July 1, means a person does not need to go through a background check or training in order to carry a concealed gun on the sidewalk or other public spaces, including the Capitol.

“We’re still screening everybody like we did when we were letting people with concealed carry licenses in,” said Officer Patrick Saleh with the Highway Patrol’s Capitol Police. “We still need to check bags and packages for explosives. The only thing that’s changed is we’re not asking them for their concealed carry ID card. But otherwise they’re still coming through the screening center and we’re letting them right in as though they had a permit for it.”

Senate Majority Leader Terry Bruce, R-Hutchinson, one of the main proponents of the new law, said in an e-mail that the Capitol “should be treated just like any other public building in our state” and that “Kansans should be able to exercise their rights under the Second Amendment in this building.”

Gun control advocates say that allowing a person to carry a gun into the Capitol without any minimum requirements poses risks. The Capitol, which houses the Legislature and the governor’s office, is a popular destination for families and for school field trips.

“To allow people to carry loaded, hidden guns without first going through a background check or require any sort of training is a terrible and bad idea for public safety in Kansas,” said Brian Malte, senior national policy director with the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence.

Rep. Travis Couture-Lovelady, R-Palco, who carried the legislation on the House floor, said it would be hypocritical for lawmakers to prevent people from bringing guns into the Capitol, He noted that lawmakers are able enter the building without going through metal detectors or being searched by security.

“I hate the idea of us treating ourselves differently,” he said.

He acknowledged that the Capitol could be a target for a gunman, but said allowing people to carry guns for self defense made the building safer.

“There’s a lot of legislators that are carrying, I’m sure. And there’s a lot of lobbyists that carry every day … and a lot of them are pretty good dang shots, so I feel pretty good about that,” Couture-Lovelady said. “And as far as those that want to do harm to us in the Capitol, if they really want to cause problems, if they really want to have a mass shooting in the Capitol the little metal detectors aren’t going to stop them. All they have to do is get someone in the building and then go to a side door and let people in with the big guns. So I just think it’s another instance of a false sense of security.”

Not all lawmakers are supportive of allowing guns into the Capitol without restrictions.

Rep. Stephanie Clayton, R-Overland Park, said that she doesn’t fear for her own safety but she worries that this makes the building more dangerous for kids visiting.

“I do have concerns for children who are visiting on field trips. I feel like it’s a less safe for the public,” she said. “There’s a different view where as a lawmaker I accept that risk where as a member of the public, do they really need to accept that?”

Clayton said her chief concern was not that there would be an active shooter, but that allowing guns into the building without requiring training increases the risk of a gun going off by accident.

“That’s what’s going to hurt us, is a misfire through a lack of training,” she said.

View Source

Pomona, NY – Night sights have grown in popularity over the last few years, due primarily to the growing interest in personal protection.

Because night sights work in low, or no light situations, it makes them perfect for home protection, especially if the need arises to seek out your weapon very quickly in the dark.

Kahr Firearms Group has just announced that some of their C-Series pistols will now be offered with night sights. Three of their most popular 9mm models; the CM9093N, CW9093N, and the CT9093N will now be available with night sights.

All three models feature a black polymer frame, matte finish stainless steel slide, a drift-adjustable white bar-dot combat rear sight, and a pinned in polymer front night sight.

The CM9 features a 3.1” barrel length; an overall length of 5.42”, a slide width of .90”, the height is 4.0” and weighs in at just 14 oz.

It has a 6+1 capacity and comes with one 6-round flush floorplate magazine.

The CW9 features a 3.56” barrel, an overall length of 5.9” and a height of 4.5”. It weighs 15.8 oz. without the magazine.

Capacity is 7+1, and comes with one 7-round stainless magazine.

Lastly, the CT9 offers a 3.965” barrel, an overall length of 6.5”, a slide width of .90”; height is 5.08” and weighs just 18.5 oz. without the magazine.

Capacity is 8+1 and comes standard with one 8 rd. stainless magazine. Cost of the three models featuring night sights is $499 for the CM9093N, $495 for the CW9093N, and $485 for the CT9093N.

Recently, Kahr Firearms Group announced that effective June 1, 2015 through September 30, 2015, Kahr will send one free magazine with the purchase of specific C-Series guns, which includes these 3 models with the night sights.

To receive a coupon for a free magazine, just log onto the Kahr website at www.kahr.com/MagPromo2015.asp and fill out the online form or download the coupon, fill it out and mail, email, or fax it along with a copy of the firearm receipt and the firearm serial number.

The new firearm must have been purchased during the summer promotion period to qualify. Any form submitted without a copy of the receipt and the serial number will not qualify for the magazine promotion. Allow 6 weeks for processing, shipping and delivery.

For more information about Kahr Firearms Group products, log onto www.kahr.com.

View Source

Gun owners will next year be able to legally carry handguns in dorms, classrooms and buildings in public universities in Texas under a bill expected to be signed by the governor within several days.

The measure was passed by the state’s legislature Sunday night and will go to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, who has said he would sign it.

Of the 15 states to introduce guns-on-campus bills this year, Texas is so far the only one to have moved a measure to the governor’s desk. The legislative term in Nevada, where lawmakers are attempting to mount an 11th-hour effort to pass a campus-carry bill, ends on Tuesday.

The Texas bill that passed late Sunday reflects a series of compromises made by each side. It removes a blanket prohibition for guns on campus and it reduces the penalty for people who inadvertently carry a gun in an area of campus where it still might be banned.

Still, the measure—a watered-down version of one initially filed earlier this year—isn’t quite what other gun-rights supporters were hoping for. It exempts private schools entirely, and allows leaders on public campuses to create gun-free zones.
It “is an excellent first step,” said gun-rights group Students for Concealed Carry, in a statement. “We are looking forward to the next few years…[in which] we will work to finish the job and ensure licensed, law-abiding adults aren’t prohibited from defending themselves simply because they chose to pursue higher education.”

Sandy Chasse, a Texas-based volunteer with the organization Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, said the final version of the bill could have been worse.

“We are pleased that the final version…[grants] universities broad discretion to keep their communities safe by deciding where and when it is appropriate to allow guns on campus,” she said.

Just how much discretion university leaders will be granted is open for debate, and probably could be tested in court battles moving forward.

It is likely that major universities in Texas will make use of discretion allowed under the bill, though none made specific pronouncements on what types of “gun-free zones” they would lobby for.

Leaders of the larger public universities in Texas largely had spoken out against increased campus carry.

In a statement, William McRaven, the chancellor of the University of Texas system, said that while the legislation’s passage was “not what we had hoped for,” it was “helpful that the bill was amended to allow our campus presidents…to develop rules and regulations that will govern the carrying of concealed handguns on campuses.”

The campus-carry vote represented the second expansion of gun-rights in Texas in the past week.

View Source