The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer:
Mike Humphrey
Pima County continues to suffer from firearm-related violence.
Data provided by the Pima County Health Department showed that in 2023 there were 213 firearm related deaths. Latest figures (2021) from the Pima County Health Department showed that the local firearm death rate was 22.7 per 100,000, which is significantly higher than the national average of 14.6 deaths per 100,000 (Pew Research Center). According to data provided by the Arizona Department of Health Services, during 2022 (the latest full year reported), there were 533 hospital and emergency visits costing $33,107,484. Seventy percent of these costs were covered by public funds. During the first half of 2023, over $23 million was spent on treating firearm-related injuries in our community.
Nationally, the U.S. Sentencing Commission estimates that 88.8% of firearm offenders sentenced were prohibited from possessing a firearm in the first place. Information provided by the Pima County Attorney’s Office indicates that between 1/5 to 1/3 of firearm crimes are committed by prohibited possessors. Given the current situation, what can be done to curtail the easy accessibility of firearms for prohibited possessors — persons who cannot legally own firearms as defined by ARS 13-3101 (Prohibited Possessors)?
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There are several possible ways within current state statutes to limit the ability of prohibited possessors to obtain and retain firearms. Local judges, prosecutors and law enforcement agencies working in collaboration with state and federal authorities can:
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Mike Humphrey is a member of the Pima County Board of Health and has been involved in firearm violence issues since 2012. He is a member of the Arizona Daily Star editorial advisory board.
