Adam has a criminal record, but he buys a rifle at a gun show without having to pass a background check. Adam uses the rifle to kill several colleagues as they are leaving work. When he is arrested, Adam tells police that if he hadn't been able to buy a gun he probably would not have gone through with his plan. Based on Adam's comments, which crime prevention technique would have prevented this tragedy?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Controlling triggers involves removing or managing the factors that might prompt criminal behavior. In this case, the ability to purchase a rifle without a background check acted as a trigger for Adam's actions. Implementing stricter controls on gun purchases, such as mandatory background checks for all sales, could have prevented him from obtaining a weapon and thus prevented the tragedy.

Adam Has a Criminal Record, but He Buys a Rifle