The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) recently announced a plan to assist law enforcement agencies in sharing the criminal and mental health history of individuals under 21 through the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System. The goal is to improve public safety and prevent gun violence. Additionally, resources have been developed to aid small and rural law enforcement agencies in dealing with mass shootings, following the tragic events at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas.
The DOJ has also taken steps to address gaps in the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) as outlined in the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act of 2022. This legislation requires checks on the criminal and mental health history of gun purchasers under 21. However, restrictions in some juvenile justice and mental health systems hinder the sharing of crucial information.
Efforts have been made to provide guidance to states on enhancing information-sharing with NICS for improved background checks. The firearms industry has expressed support for these initiatives to ensure that prohibited individuals do not have access to firearms. The DOJ has also allocated grants for community violence intervention and prevention initiatives, as well as funding for state crisis intervention programs.
Overall, the DOJ’s actions aim to strengthen background check systems, enhance public safety measures, and prevent gun violence. Please rewrite this sentence.
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