Gordon Graham
Category: Law Enforcement

Gordon Graham here with Today’s Tip from Lexipol. Today’s Tip is for Law Enforcement.

Pay attention to applicable laws and firearms transfer requirements and abide by them.

I like guns. Heck, I like shooting them. I like collecting them. I like selling them. Many of us buy, sell, and swap guns with one other on a regular basis. We are often offered special privileges not available to the public. You know what I mean. Discounts or waivers of the waiting periods. Sometimes we can even buy guns that aren’t available to the general public. 

But be careful about buying and selling guns. Even though we might be offered special privileges, that does not mean we’re exempt from the laws regulating firearm transfers. And sometimes our special privileges make it easy for us to run afoul of these laws. 

If you buy a gun at a discount based on your status and later sell that gun, you may commit a crime. Certainly, that’s true if you purchase a gun that’s available only to law enforcement officers and later sell it to someone outside of law enforcement. 

Remember, the federal firearm background check notes whether you are purchasing the gun for yourself. It is a felony to provide false information on the background check form. You may also be committing a felony if you sell the firearm too quickly.  

Some of us have dedicated many years to public safety. I know we’re all proud of our service and the reputation we have built. A firearm transfer violation or federal felony will surely ruin one’s career and reputation. I don’t want to see that happen to any of you. Be careful. Be responsible. Pay attention to applicable laws and firearms transfer requirements and abide by them.  

And that’s Today’s Tip from Lexipol. Until next time, this is Gordon Graham signing off.