A national survey taken among police officers shows that a whopping 92 percent want to see the long-gun registry scrapped.

A 22-year veteran with Edmonton Police Services, Constable Randy Kuntz, refused to believe that the majority of police officers favoured the registry. He surveyed police across the country and was impressed with how many officers responded. Of the 2,631 officers who replied, a total of 2410 – or 92 percent – said the registry is useless to them in the line of duty.

Constable Kuntz said he didn’t believe the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) persistent claim that the overwhelming majority of police support the registry. He believes the registry is a waste of time and money, and even worse, he fears it places police officers in harm’s way by providing inaccurate and useless information.

Constable Kuntz and the Canadian Shooting Sports Association (CSSA) spread the word to the media and members of Parliament that rank-and-file police do not support the registry in an August 19 media release. It is especially important that M.P.s consider the survey results for an upcoming vote on September 22. The opposition has made a motion to kill Bill C-391 prior to its 3rd reading in Parliament. If that motion is carried, a great deal of time and energy invested in getting rid of the registry will be wasted.

Can the registry actually place police officers in peril? Constable Kuntz says it can, if officers believe the database results. Most experienced officers don’t consult the registry at all, because they know the results misinform more than help. He cites an example where the owner of a registered gun lends it to someone with a licence. In a simple transaction like this, a registry check of both parties would misinform police. The registered gun owner wouldn’t have that gun at home and the licensed person would. Any police officer who believes the data and acts on it would be at risk, because the registry fails to take so much into consideration.

I would like to commend Constable Kuntz for his initiative in taking the survey and going public with the results. It will make him unpopular with some, but he can rest assured he has the support of at least 92 percent of his colleagues. He is a very experienced officer who has been awarded the Exemplary Service Medal. He believes it is more important to tell the truth than apply for promotions.

-30-