Local opinion: Reducing gun violence in Tucson

With the recent downtown shooting and the daily reports of gun violence both locally and across the country, it is understandable to feel discouraged.

Yet there is reason for optimism. Firearm-related homicides have declined in both Tucson and nationally in recent years, demonstrating that progress is possible. The challenge now is to build on that progress.

Reducing firearm violence requires a balanced approach that combines prevention, accountability, education, and responsible firearm ownership. The following actions would strengthen existing efforts in our community:

1. Expand proven violence prevention programs. Continue investing in City and County initiatives, such as the Violence Interruption and Vitalization Action program, that use evidence-informed, community-based strategies to reduce violence in high-risk neighborhoods.

2. Expand firearm relinquishment efforts. Extend the Tucson City Court’s Firearm Technical Assistance Program to courts throughout Pima County to ensure the timely removal of firearms from individuals prohibited by law from possessing them following qualifying domestic violence convictions.

3. Increase accountability for illegal firearm discharges. Because these offenses place lives at risk, prosecutors should carefully evaluate plea agreements and probation in felony cases and provide sentencing recommendations that reflect the seriousness of the offense.

4. Combat illegal firearm trafficking. Create a multi-jurisdictional task force to investigate and prosecute illegal firearm transfers to prohibited possessors. Arizona law already makes these “straw purchases” a felony; consistent enforcement can deter violations and disrupt an important source of illegally obtained firearms.

5. Strengthen public education through partnerships. Work with local gun shops, gun shows, pawn shops and shooting ranges to educate firearm purchasers about the legal consequences of illegal firearm transfers. These partners can also distribute information on safe firearm storage, suicide prevention, and secure storage devices.

6. Promote responsible firearm ownership. Encourage the development of additional indoor shooting ranges that offer certified firearm safety training, affordable instruction through public-private partnerships, and access to safe storage equipment and suicide prevention resources.

No single strategy will eliminate firearm violence. But by combining prevention, enforcement, education and responsible firearm ownership, our community can continue reducing gun violence while protecting the safety of residents, first responders, and lawful firearm owners alike.

Reducing firearm violence is not the responsibility of any single agency, organization or political party. It requires sustained collaboration among law enforcement, prosecutors, the courts, public health professionals, educators, community organizations, responsible firearm owners and concerned citizens. By building on proven strategies while remaining open to new ideas, Tucson can continue making meaningful progress toward a safer community where fewer families experience the tragedy of firearm violence.