‘It’s saving taxpayer money’ | When guns are used in a crime, they can often end up back on the streets [Video]

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — From pistols to assault rifles and even crossbows — weapons and firearms are often used in violent crime across the state. According to data from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, around 75% of murders and 62% of robberies in 2022 involved guns.

When those guns are found by authorities, they are confiscated and law enforcement effectively takes ownership over them. Brian Davis, who heads the Knoxville Police Department’s Property Management Unit, said guns found by the police department are taken to the basement of the Public Safety Center. There, they stored behind several locked doors.

Davis said KPD can take possession of three types of firearms — evidentiary firearms, safekeeping firearms and found guns. Evidentiary firearms are usually found while investigating crimes and KPD takes possession of them.

Safekeeping …