Ghost Gun Epidemic and Law Enforcement’s Response (Part A)

This presentation will be presented in two parts. Privately made firearms (AKA “ghost guns” or FMBUS guns) present a fast-growing and dangerous problem for law enforcement. They are relatively easy to make and usually impossible to trace. Headlines about ghost guns are in the news every day and they have been used to murder peace officers and to commit mass shootings and other violent crimes. Ghost guns have replaced stolen guns as the weapon of choice for violent criminals. Citizens and legislators are calling for action from law enforcement. However, the issues surrounding ghost guns are myriad and complex. This presentation will provide information to law enforcement leaders to truly understand ghost gun issues so that they can take appropriate action in their own jurisdictions. Topics that will be covered are the basics of ghost guns (what they are—practically and legally); how the parts are made/acquired and how ghost guns are assembled; who is commonly involved in their production and trafficking; current and proposed federal laws; future trends and the impact of technology on ghost guns; illegal/dangerous firearms and accessories in conjunction with ghost guns; and examples of law enforcement programs and investigative techniques utilized to combat the ghost gun problem. The presenters will offer incident debriefs of San Diego PD’s Ghost Gun Apprehension Team and ATF cases (discussion of actual ghost gun cases). You can attend one or both parts of the workshop.