The author first provides data on the role of guns in violent crimes, accidental deaths, and suicide. He then focuses on the extent of gun ownership in America, differences between people who own guns and those who do not, and criteria for deciding who should or should not be permitted to own a gun. Police involvement with guns is discussed also; their unique involvement both as victims of civilian attacks and as agents of society with permission to use deadly force receives close attention. Final chapters describe the influence of gun control on personal violence; examine attitudes toward gun control; review proposals made for and against gun control; and offer suggestions for policy, including a rationale for registering guns and licensing owners. Tabular data, chapter references, and an index are provided. For the chapter on police use of deadly force, see NCJ-92314. (Publisher abstract modified)