Studies have shown that a subset of habitual criminals accounts for a significant portion of serious crime. This same group of criminals habitually acquires, possesses, and carries firearms, which differentiates them from the majority of felons. In 1986 the U.S. Congress mandated 15-year minimum sentences for certain career criminals convicted in Federal court of firearm possession. Many of the States have even more severe sanctions for habitual offenders convicted of firearm possession. The existence of this core of habitual dangerous offenders who typically possess and carry firearms suggests that it would be cost-effective to focus law enforcement resources on arresting and convicting habitual offenders for firearms possession, without waiting for them to commit more serious crimes. By using existing firearm laws and joining forces with other agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms and local probation and parole agencies, law enforcement officers can pursue another avenue of attack on those criminals who may have evaded capture on more serious charges. Further, by re- examining the importance of firearm investigations, administrators can offer their officers an alternative to the often dangerous and costly apprehension of violent repeat offenders. 14 notes