The share of American households owning at least one firearm has remained relatively steady since 1972, hovering between ** percent and ** percent. In 2024, about ** percent of U.S. households had at least one gun in their possession. Additional information on firearms in the United States Firearms command a higher degree of cultural significance in the United States than any other country in the world. Since the inclusion of the right to bear arms in the Second Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, firearms have held symbolic power beyond their already obvious material power. Despite many Americans being proud gun-owners, a large movement exists within the country in opposition to the freedom afforded to those in possession of these potentially deadly weapons. Those opposed to current gun regulation have sourced their anger from the large number of deaths due to firearms in the country, as well as the high frequency of gun violence apparent in comparison to other developed countries. Furthermore, the United States has fallen victim to a number of mass shootings in the last two decades, most of which have raised questions over the ease at which a person can obtain a firearm. Although this movement holds a significant position in the public political discourse of the United States, meaningful change regarding the legislation dictating the ownership of firearms has not occurred. Critics have pointed to the influence possessed by the National Rifle Association through their lobbying of public officials. The National Rifle Association also lobbies for the interests of firearm manufacturing in the United States, which has continued to rise since a fall in the early 2000s.

Texas was the state with the highest number of registered weapons in the United States in 2024, with 1,136,732 firearms. Rhode Island, on the other hand, had the least, with 4,895 registered firearms. Gun laws in the United States Gun ownership in the U.S. is protected by the 2nd Amendment of the Constitution, which allows citizens to own firearms and form a militia if necessary. Outside of the 2nd Amendment, gun laws in the U.S. vary from state to state, and gun owners are subject to the laws of the state they are currently in, not necessarily the state they live in. For example, if concealed carry is allowed in a gun owner’s state of residence but not in the state they are traveling in, the owner is subject to the law of the state they are traveling in. Civilian-owned firearms The United States is estimated to have the highest rate of civilian-owned firearms in the world, more than double that of Yemen, which has the second-highest gun ownership rate. Unfortunately, along with high gun ownership rates comes a higher number of homicides by firearm, which was about 13,529 homicides in 2023.

The statistic shows the percentage of population in the United States owning one or more firearms in 2017, by region. In 2017, about ** percent of the respondents living in the South owned a gun personally.

This study was undertaken to obtain information on the characteristics of gun ownership, gun-carrying practices, and weapons-related incidents in the United States -- specifically, gun use and other weapons used in self-defense against humans and animals. Data were gathered using a national random-digit-dial telephone survey. The respondents were comprised of 1,905 randomly-selected adults aged 18 and older living in the 50 United States. All interviews were completed between May 28 and July 2, 1996. The sample was designed to be a representative sample of households, not of individuals, so researchers did not interview more than one adult from each household. To start the interview, six qualifying questions were asked, dealing with (1) gun ownership, (2) gun-carrying practices, (3) gun display against the respondent, (4) gun use in self-defense against animals, (5) gun use in self-defense against people, and (6) other weapons used in self-defense. A "yes" response to a qualifying question led to a series of additional questions on the same topic as the qualifying question. Part 1, Survey Data, contains the coded data obtained during the interviews, and Part 2, Open-Ended-Verbatim Responses, consists of the answers to open-ended questions provided by the respondents. Information collected for Part 1 covers how many firearms were owned by household members, types of firearms owned (handguns, revolvers, pistols, fully automatic weapons, and assault weapons), whether the respondent personally owned a gun, reasons for owning a gun, type of gun carried, whether the gun was ever kept loaded, kept concealed, used for personal protection, or used for work, and whether the respondent had a permit to carry the gun. Additional questions focused on incidents in which a gun was displayed in a hostile manner against the respondent, including the number of times such an incident took place, the location of the event in which the gun was displayed against the respondent, whether the police were contacted, whether the individual displaying the gun was known to the respondent, whether the incident was a burglary, robbery, or other planned assault, and the number of shots fired during the incident. Variables concerning gun use by the respondent in self-defense against an animal include the number of times the respondent used a gun in this manner and whether the respondent was hunting at the time of the incident. Other variables in Part 1 deal with gun use in self-defense against people, such as the location of the event, if the other individual knew the respondent had a gun, the type of gun used, any injuries to the respondent or to the individual that required medical attention or hospitalization, whether the incident was reported to the police, whether there were any arrests, whether other weapons were used in self-defense, the type of other weapon used, location of the incident in which the other weapon was used, and whether the respondent was working as a police officer or security guard or was in the military at the time of the event. Demographic variables in Part 1 include the gender, race, age, household income, and type of community (city, suburb, or rural) in which the respondent lived. Open-ended questions asked during the interview comprise the variables in Part 2. Responses include descriptions of where the respondent was when he or she displayed a gun (in self-defense or otherwise), specific reasons why the respondent displayed a gun, how the other individual reacted when the respondent displayed the gun, how the individual knew the respondent had a gun, whether the police were contacted for specific self-defense events, and if not, why not.

In the United States in 2023, ** percent of Republicans reported that they owned at least one gun, and ** percent said that they lived in a household with a gun. In comparison, only ** percent of Democrats owned at least one gun, and ** percent lived in a gun household. Who are gun owners? In 2022, significantly more Democrats were in favor of limiting gun ownership in comparison to Republicans. On the other hand, more Republicans were in favor of protecting the right to own guns in comparison to Democrats. When examined by education level, respondents who said they only had some college, but no degree were the most likely to have said that there is at least one gun in their household. However, nearly a ******* of Americans over 18 years old said that they rarely carry a gun on their person. Republicans vs Democrats Debate The gun control debate in the United States has been a highly contested one. In light of frequent mass shootings, gun control laws have become the center of policy discussions. Democratic politicians tend to put significant emphasis on their gun control policies and are overall more in favor of stricter gun control laws and want more background checks for those who want to purchase a gun. However, Republicans tend to work in favor of gun rights.

Introduction: Firearm legality and ownership have been contentious topics in American culture, due to the well-documented, yet preventable, health and safety risks. States vary in the amount of firearm ownership, as well as firearm mortality and injury rates. Objectives: The primary aim of this project is to compare two states, New Jersey and Texas, on the likelihood of firearm violence occurring to each state's citizens. The variables of gun ownership, firearm mortalities, and firearm injuries are compared and visualized to understand if living in one state is safer than living in the other. Methods: Data analysis focused on connecting and comparing the two states with variables pointing to firearm safety/danger. Line graphs compare the two states and firearm injuries and mortalities over a sixteen-year period as well as number of firearms per state. Scatterplots show a correlation, if any, between number of firearms and injuries/mortalities in the two states. Results: Texas had a consistently higher mortality rate by firearms (excluding suicides) for each year of the seventeen years. Texas also led in firearm injuries from the years 2000-2010, 2012, and 2014-2016, but not in 2011 and 2013. New Jersey consistently has a lower mortality rate (3.5 and under per 100,000) and lower gun ownership (.11 and under per household). Texas’ data has both a higher mortality rate (between 3.8 and 4.8 per 100,000) and a higher gun ownership rate (.34 to .40 per household). With a few exceptions from the years 2011 and 2013, the state data points are clustered to show the relationship between gun ownership and firearm injuries to be high/high for Texas and low/low for New Jersey. Conclusions: From the years 2000-2016 it is, on average, 20% less likely that one will be injured by a firearm and 30% less likely that one will be killed by a firearm if one were to live in New Jersey instead of Texas, causing the conclusion that it is safer to live in New Jersey than in Texas.

According to a survey conducted in the United States in 2023, people with some college but no college degree were more likely to personally own a gun or live in a gun owning household. At this time, ** percent of Americans with some college personally owned a firearm, compared to ** percent of those with a high school degree or less and ** percent of college graduates.

The United States is ranked first in gun possession globally and is among the countries suffering the most from firearm violence. Several aspects of the US firearm ecosystem have been detailed over the years, mostly focusing on nation- or state-level phenomena. Systematic, high-resolution studies that compare US cities are largely lacking, leaving several questions open. For example, how does firearm violence vary with the population size of a US city? Are guns more prevalent and accessible in larger cities? In search of answers to these questions, we apply urban scaling theory, which has been instrumental in understanding the present and future of urbanization for the past 15 years. We collate a dataset about firearm violence, accessibility and ownership in 929 cities, ranging from 10,000 to 20,000,000 people. We discover superlinear scaling of firearm violence (measured through the incidence of firearm homicides and armed robberies) and sublinear scaling of both firearm ownership (inferred from the percentage of suicides that are committed with firearm) and firearm accessibility (measured as the prevalence of federal firearm-selling licenses). To investigate the mechanism underlying the US firearm ecosystem, we establish a novel information-theoretic methodology that infers associations from the variance of urban features about scaling laws. We unveil influence of violence and firearm accessibility on firearm ownership, which we model through a Cobb–Douglas function. Such an influence suggests that self-protection could be a critical driver of firearm ownership in US cities, whose extent is moderated by access to firearms.

According to a survey conducted in the United States in 2023, men were more likely than women to either personally own a gun or live in a gun owning household. At this time, ** percent of American men personally owned a firearm, compared to ** percent of women.

In the United States, gun laws vary from one state to the next; whether residents need a permit or a background check to purchase a firearm, whether residents must undergo firearm training before making this purchase, and whether residents can openly carry their guns in public is dependent upon state legislation. As of January 15, 2025, ** U.S. states required background checks and/or permits for the purchase of a handgun. A further ** states had regulations on openly carrying firearms in public; however, only California, Connecticut, Florida, and Illinois had completely prohibited open carry for all firearms. In comparison, Maryland, New Jersey, and New York prohibited open carry for handguns but either did not have regulations in place or required a permit for other types of guns. A constitutional right The Second Amendment of the Constitution, which states that citizens have the right to bear arms, has made it difficult for any gun control legislation to be passed on a national level in the United States. As a result, gun control laws in the U.S. are state-based, and often differ based on political perspectives. States with strong gun laws in place, such as Massachusetts, generally experience less gun violence, however, some states with strong gun laws, such as Maryland, continue to face high rates of gun violence, which has largely been attributed to gun trafficking activity found throughout the nation. A culture of gun owners In comparison to other high-income countries with stricter gun control laws, the United States has the highest gun homicide rate at **** gun homicides per 100,000 residents. However, despite increasing evidence that easy access to firearms, whether legal or illegal, encourages higher rates of gun violence, the United States continues to foster an environment in which owning a firearm is seen as personal freedom. Almost **** of U.S. households have reported owning at least one firearm and ** percent of registered voters in the U.S. were found to believe that it was more important to protect the right of Americans to own guns, compared to ** percent who said it was more important to limit gun ownership.

The firearms trust market, encompassing online gun trusts, legal services, and related products, is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing demand for responsible firearm ownership and legal protection. The market, estimated at $500 million in 2025, is projected to exhibit a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 12% from 2025 to 2033, reaching approximately $1.5 billion by 2033. This expansion is fueled by several key factors. Firstly, heightened awareness of legal complexities surrounding firearm ownership, particularly in the context of inheritance and liability, is prompting more individuals to establish firearm trusts. Secondly, the rise of online platforms offering streamlined trust creation services caters to the increasing preference for digital convenience. Thirdly, diverse customer segments, including regular gun owners, hunters, and competitive shooters, contribute to market diversification. The market is segmented by application (Regular Gun Owner, Hunter, Competition Shooters) and type of trust (Online Gun Trusts, Trust Lawyers). Competition among established legal firms and specialized online providers ensures a dynamic market landscape. While regulatory changes and potential legal challenges represent potential restraints, the overall market outlook remains positive, anticipating continued growth driven by evolving consumer preferences and the expanding market for firearms accessories and services. The North American market, particularly the United States, currently dominates the global firearms trust market, reflecting the high rate of firearm ownership and the complex legal frameworks surrounding it. However, growing awareness and changing regulations in other regions, such as Europe and parts of Asia-Pacific, are creating opportunities for market expansion. Specific regional growth will be influenced by local legal frameworks, gun ownership regulations, and the accessibility of online and traditional legal services. Companies offering comprehensive services, combining online platforms with legal expertise, are well-positioned to capture significant market share. The future of the firearms trust market hinges on a confluence of factors: evolving legal landscapes, technological advancements in trust creation and management, and changing consumer preferences for streamlined, secure, and legally sound solutions for firearm ownership.

According to a survey conducted in the United States in 2023, white respondents were more likely to either personally own a gun or live in a gun owning household than their non-white counterparts. During the survey, ** percent of white Americans reported that they personally owned a firearm, compared to ** percent of non-white respondents.

This dataset looks at age and juvenile offender status as a means of restricting the purchase and possession of firearms in the USA as of 12.31.2005. This data displays the minimum age you must be to purchase/possess a handgun or a long gun in every state in the USA. It also displays if a state restricts juvenile offenders from purchasing/possessing a firearm, handguns or long guns. Also provided in the data is the statute within the States legislation that states the firearm purchase/possession restriction. Handgun: A firearm that has a short stock and is designed to be held and fired by the use of a single hand, such as a pistol or revolver. Long gun: A firearm with a barrel extended to around 30 inches to improve accuracy and range, and commonly with a shoulder butt, designed to be fired with two hands, such as a rifle or shotgun. This data comes from Survey of State Procedures Related to Firearm Transfers, 2005. The Survey provides an overview of the firearm check procedures in each State and State interaction with the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) operated by the FBI. The report summarizes issues about State procedures, including persons prohibited from purchasing firearms, restoration of rights of purchase to prohibited persons, permits, prohibited firearms, waiting periods, fees, and appeals. Supplemental tables contain data on 2005 applications to purchase firearms and rejections, as well as tabular presentations of State-by-State responses. This is one of a series of reports published from the BJS Firearm Inquiry Statistics (FIST) project, managed under the BJS National Criminal History Improvement Program (NCHIP). This is a web only document.

This dataset looks at firearm restrictions across the USA by state. If a state has a restriction on a certain weapon than possession is prohibited or allowed only under limited exceptions, or there is a registration requirement. Surveyed Weapons: Assault weapon: A semiautomatic firearm with a large-capacity magazine and special features common to military weapons. Machine gun: (automatic firearm) A firearm that shoots, is designed to shoot, or can be readily restored to shoot, automatically more than one bullet, without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger. Short-barreled rifle: A rifle having one or more barrels less than 16 inches in length, and any weapon made from a rifle, whether by alteration, modification, or otherwise, if such weapon, as modified, has an overall length of less than 26 inches. Short-barreled shotgun: A shotgun having one or more barrels less than 18 inches in length, and any weapon made from a shotgun, whether altered or modified, if such weapon has an overall length of less then 26 inches. Unsafe handgun: (Saturday night special or junk gun) A handgun with a barrel length under 4 inches that is easily concealable and not effective for sporting or self defense purposes due to its poor quality of construction, inaccuracy, and lack of essential safety features. Definitions are from or adapted from Federal and State Codes (a jurisdictions laws should be consulted for specific definitions). This data comes from Survey of State Procedures Related to Firearm Transfers, 2005. The Survey provides an overview of the firearm check procedures in each State and State interaction with the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) operated by the FBI. The report summarizes issues about State procedures, including persons prohibited from purchasing firearms, restoration of rights of purchase to prohibited persons, permits, prohibited firearms, waiting periods, fees, and appeals.

The civilian self-defense rifle market is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing concerns about personal safety and home security. This demand is further fueled by factors such as rising crime rates in certain regions, political instability in some areas, and a growing preference for self-reliance among consumers. The market is segmented by rifle type (light, standard, heavy) and application (hunting, shooting sports, self-defense), with the self-defense application segment exhibiting particularly strong growth. Considering the provided data and industry trends, we can reasonably estimate the 2025 market size to be approximately $2.5 billion USD, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6% projected through 2033. This signifies a substantial market expansion and significant investment opportunities within the sector. This growth is not uniform across all regions. North America, particularly the United States, currently holds the largest market share due to high gun ownership rates and a strong culture of self-defense. However, increasing demand is observed in other regions as well, particularly in countries experiencing social or political instability. Europe and Asia-Pacific markets are projected to see notable growth, driven by factors such as increased awareness of personal safety and the rising popularity of shooting sports. The market's growth, however, faces certain restraints including stricter gun control regulations in some countries and rising manufacturing costs. This necessitates manufacturers to focus on innovative designs, enhanced features, and efficient supply chain management to navigate these challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities.

According to a survey conducted in the United States in 2023, Americans aged 55 years old and above were more likely to personally own a gun than their counterparts in other age groups. At this time, ** percent of Americans aged 55 years old and over personally owned a firearm, compared to ** percent of those aged 18 to 34 years old, and ** percent of those aged between 35 and 54 years old.

Compact Carry Gun Market Outlook

The global compact carry gun market size was valued at approximately USD 2.5 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach around USD 4.7 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.7% during the forecast period. This market growth is driven by increasing concerns about personal safety and security, advancements in firearm technology, and a rise in the issuance of concealed carry permits.

One of the critical growth factors for the compact carry gun market is the increasing need for personal protection. With rising crime rates and a growing sense of insecurity globally, individuals are seeking means to protect themselves and their families. This has led to an increase in the demand for compact carry guns, which are easier to conceal and carry, making them an attractive option for personal protection. Additionally, the proliferation of social media and news coverage of violent incidents has heightened public awareness and concern, further driving demand for personal defense weapons.

Technological advancements in firearms have also played a significant role in the market expansion. Innovations such as polymer frames, improved ergonomics, advanced sighting systems, and enhanced reliability have made compact carry guns more user-friendly and efficient. Manufacturers are continuously investing in research and development to produce lighter, more accurate, and durable firearms. These enhancements not only cater to the needs of individual consumers but also attract law enforcement and military personnel who require reliable and efficient weapons.

The increasing issuance of concealed carry permits is another crucial factor driving the compact carry gun market. Many governments, particularly in the United States, have relaxed regulations surrounding gun ownership and the issuance of concealed carry permits. This policy shift has led to a significant increase in the number of legally armed civilians, further fueling the demand for compact carry guns. Countries with stringent gun laws have also seen a rise in demand due to the perceived need for self-defense amidst growing urbanization and socio-political unrest.

In addition to these technological advancements, the market for compact carry guns is also influenced by the growing interest in shooting sports, such as Sports Pistol competitions. These events require participants to use precision and skill, often with firearms that are compact and easy to handle. The popularity of such sports not only promotes responsible gun ownership but also encourages manufacturers to develop firearms that are both high-performing and suitable for competitive use. As a result, many compact carry guns are designed with features that appeal to sports enthusiasts, including improved accuracy, customizable grips, and enhanced sighting systems. This intersection of personal protection and recreational shooting contributes to the overall growth and diversification of the market.

Regionally, North America holds the largest share of the compact carry gun market, primarily due to the high prevalence of gun ownership and favorable regulatory frameworks. The United States, in particular, has the highest number of guns per capita, which significantly contributes to the market's growth. Europe and Asia Pacific are also emerging as lucrative markets due to increasing civilian interest in personal protection and rising defense budgets. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa, while smaller in market size, are experiencing gradual growth driven by increasing security concerns and government initiatives to strengthen defense capabilities.

Type Analysis

The compact carry gun market is segmented into semi-automatic and revolver types, each catering to different consumer preferences and use cases. Semi-automatic compact carry guns are highly favored for their larger ammunition capacity and quicker reload times compared to revolvers. This segment is witnessing substantial growth due to advancements in firearm technology that have made semi-automatics more reliable and easier to use, even for novice gun owners. The ease of use and higher firing rate make semi-automatic guns particularly attractive for personal protection and law enforcement applications.

Revolvers, while not as prevalent as semi-automatic guns, still maintain a significant market share. Known for their simplicity, reliability, and ease of maintenance, revolvers are favored b

This dataset shows what guidelines states hold in denying someone the opportunity to purchase or possess a firearm within their state as of December 31st, 2005. The categories for denial include felonies, misdemeanors, fugitive status, mental illness, court order, drug abuse, alcohol abuse, minor/underage, juvenile offender, and alien status. Each state has their own guidelines. A yes in a category means that the state prohibits someone of this status from purchasing or possessing a firearm. A No means that they are allowed. The categories of prohibited persons in the Federal Gun Control Act (GCA) are the prevailing minimum nationwide. Firearm transfer to or possession by such persons is unlawful. State statutes may include additional or more restrictive prohibitions. These prohibitory laws are intended to prevent firearm possession or purchase by persons believed to be incapable of handling a weapon in a safe and legal manner. In some cases Federal and State laws allow a prohibited person to regain firearm rights. Survey of State Procedures Related to Firearm Transfers, 2005 This entire report provides an overview of the firearm check procedures in each State and State interaction with the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) operated by the FBI. The report summarizes issues about State procedures, including persons prohibited from purchasing firearms, restoration of rights of purchase to prohibited persons, permits, prohibited firearms, waiting periods, fees, and appeals. Supplemental tables contain data on 2005 applications to purchase firearms and rejections, as well as tabular presentations of State-by-State responses. More information can be obtained by following the link to the source url.

Guns Safes and Cabinets Market Outlook

The global guns safes and cabinets market size was valued at approximately $3.5 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach around $6.1 billion by 2032, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.7%. This expected growth can be attributed to rising concerns over firearm safety and increasing regulations regarding the secure storage of guns. With the proliferation of firearms ownership, particularly in residential settings, the demand for secure storage solutions has surged, driving market expansion. As societal awareness about gun safety continues to grow, the market for guns safes and cabinets is anticipated to witness significant advancements and innovation in the upcoming years.

One of the primary growth factors for the guns safes and cabinets market is the increasing legal regulations and safety standards implemented by governments worldwide. In many countries, legislation mandates the secure storage of firearms, which has propelled the demand for high-quality and reliable gun safes and cabinets. This regulatory pressure has not only increased consumer awareness but has also driven manufacturers to innovate and improve the security features of their products. Technological advancements, such as the integration of biometric and electronic locking systems, have further enhanced the appeal of these storage solutions, making them more user-friendly and effective in preventing unauthorized access to firearms.

Another key factor contributing to market growth is the rising incidence of firearm-related accidents and crimes. As public awareness regarding the potential risks of improper gun storage increases, homeowners and firearm owners are more inclined to invest in secure storage solutions. This heightened awareness has led to a greater emphasis on responsible gun ownership and secure storage practices, further boosting the demand for gun safes and cabinets. Manufacturers are responding by offering a diverse range of products that cater to different consumer needs, from compact safes for handguns to larger cabinets for multiple firearms, thus broadening their market reach.

Additionally, the rapid advancements in technology and material science have played a crucial role in shaping the guns safes and cabinets market. The development of robust, lightweight materials such as advanced steel alloys and composite materials has allowed manufacturers to produce safes and cabinets that are not only more secure but also easier to install and transport. Furthermore, the integration of smart technologies, such as biometric scanning and remote access control, has enhanced the functionality and convenience of these products. As consumers become increasingly tech-savvy, the demand for smart and innovative gun storage solutions is expected to rise, contributing to market growth.

Regionally, North America dominates the guns safes and cabinets market, accounting for the largest share. The high prevalence of firearm ownership, particularly in the United States, coupled with stringent laws regarding gun storage, has driven the demand for gun safes and cabinets in this region. Europe and Asia Pacific are also witnessing significant market growth due to increasing firearms ownership and rising consumer awareness about gun safety. In contrast, the market in Latin America and the Middle East & Africa is still in its nascent stages but is expected to grow steadily as awareness and regulations around firearm safety continue to evolve.

Product Type Analysis

The product type segment of the guns safes and cabinets market is characterized by a variety of locking mechanisms, including electronic lock gun safes, biometric gun safes, mechanical lock gun safes, and traditional gun cabinets. Electronic lock gun safes are gaining significant traction due to their convenience and ease of use. These safes offer users quick access to their firearms while maintaining a high level of security through digital keypads or remote access systems. The rise in the adoption of electronic locks can be attributed to the growing demand for technology-driven solutions that provide both safety and efficiency. As consumers seek more advanced security options, the electronic lock segment is expected to witness substantial growth over the forecast period.

Biometric gun safes represent a burgeoning segment within the product type category, leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance security measures. These safes utilize fingerprint recognition to prevent unauthorized access, making them highly attractive to tech-savvy consumers concerned with safety. The biometric segme

The Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) collects crime reports from more than 500 New York State police and sheriffs’ departments. DCJS compiles these reports as New York’s official crime statistics and submits them to the FBI under the National Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program. UCR uses standard offense definitions to count crime in localities across America regardless of variations in crime laws from state to state. In New York State, law enforcement agencies use the UCR system to report their monthly crime totals to DCJS. The UCR reporting system collects information on seven crimes classified as Index offenses which are most commonly used to gauge overall crime volume. These include the violent crimes of murder/non-negligent manslaughter, forcible rape, robbery, and aggravated assault; and the property crimes of burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft. Firearm counts are derived from taking the number of violent crimes which involve a firearm. Population data are provided every year by the FBI, based on US Census information. Police agencies may experience reporting problems that preclude accurate or complete reporting. The counts represent only crimes reported to the police but not total crimes that occurred. DCJS posts preliminary data in the spring and final data in the fall.