Book Review: Wilson, H. L. (2007). Guns, Gun Control, and Elections: The Politics and Policy of Firearms. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield. xiv, 277 pp

• Published date: 01 June 2009
• Date: 01 June 2009
• Author: Eric Primm
• DOI: 10.1177/0734016809331679
• Subject Matter: Articles

276 Criminal Justice Review

Coon concedes limitations of the study. Due to the low response rate, generalizability

may be limited to only certain categories of schools. Private schools were omitted from the

survey. There also may be issues with the dependent and independent variables that were

examined.

The book concludes with an examination of the survey results and a look at future direc-

tions. The data indicate that many schools use the technology to protect students from

unauthorized persons on campus, to protect students from each other, and to prevent theft

of school property. The author found it interesting that the products least used by the

schools were products largely used to keep drugs, alcohol, and weapons out of the school.

As part of the conclusion, Coon acknowledges the limitations of the data, but also rec-

ognizes that the research is the first comprehensive study of this subject utilizing multi-

variate models. Previous studies rely on descriptive information. Coon also believes that

further research is necessary to understand why the schools have chosen the technology that

they have.

It is evident that this text goes beyond previous research and explores the subject with differ-

ent methodology. But the author is candid enough to admit that more research is necessary. The

data used in this text could be used in future studies. Additional factors could be used to explore

any correlations between the contextual variables and the technology employed.

Coon uses the last paragraph to highlight the significance of this text. She mentions that

a larger number of security technologies were explored than what has been used in previous

research. Also, a larger sampling of schools was utilized for data collection. The larger

sampling of schools involves a broader set of schools and variables. School crime and dis-

order was compared to contextual factors on the level of security technology use in schools.

Lastly, the use of multivariate models allowed for a better examination of the school and

contextual factors that were related to the use of security products.

Coon finishes by providing the reader with what appears to be her next research project.

Why are some specific products selected and what is the effectiveness of such products in

enhancing school safety?

Violence in America’s schools attracts media attention and public concern. This study

should also attract media attention and public concern. This study addresses some of the

issues of security technology in the schools while laying more of the foundation for addi-

tional research.

David R. Graff, Jr.

Kent State University–Tuscarawas, New Philadelphia, Ohio

Wilson, H. L. (2007). Guns, Gun Control, and Elections: The Politics and Policy of

Firearms. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield. xiv, 277 pp.

DOI: 10.1177/0734016809331679

In his book, Guns, Gun Control, and Elections: The Politics and Policy of Firearms,

Harry Wilson attempts to navigate the political and cultural minefield that is the debate over

guns and gun control in the United States. In my estimation, he is largely successful in this