A new computer chip promises to keep police guns from firing if they fall into the wrong hands. The tiny chip would be implanted in a police officer's hand and would match up with a scanning device inside a handgun. If the officer and gun match, a digital signal unlocks the trigger so it can be fired. But if a child or criminal would get hold of the gun, it would be useless. This is similar to the chip that I discussed previously. Many people strongly believe that we should avoid having these chips implanted, but it might be a reasonable idea for police officers to have them implanted. However, once the technology is accepted, legislation could follow to encourage the use of smart gun, and organizations like the National Rifle Association opposes the legislation because of potential problems with smart-gun technology.
USA Today April 14, 2004