Ammunition Vending Machines: Dangerous Loophole for Felons

The recent introduction of ammunition vending machines in grocery stores is seriously concerning about public safety, particularly regarding the potential for convicted felons to gain easier access to bullets without a background check. While these machines may offer convenience for law-abiding citizens who suddenly find themselves without ammunition at 4:00 a.m. on the first day of doe season, they also present significant risks that can’t be ignored.

Ammunition Vending Machines in the Beer Aisle?

Over the last six months or so, AI-powered vending machines that dispense ammunition have been deployed in grocery stores in three states (Alabama, Oklahoma and Texas) with orders for more and expansion plans into Colorado on the way. The machines, made by American Rounds, enable customers to buy ammunition in minutes and are “as easy to use as an ATM,” according to the company’s website. These vending machines use driver’s licenses and facial recognition technology to verify the age and identity of customers, aiming to provide round-the-clock immediate access to ammunition for individuals over 21 with valid identification. While the intention is clearly to streamline the purchasing process, it begs a few questions: Should the process of buying bullets be as easy as impulsively buying a candy bar out of a machine? Will they be located in the beer aisle? Maybe they’ve already had a few, is a breathalyzer test also administered? A person could tell whether someone appeared to be under the influence, a machine, not so much. And finally, um, what about the laws?

Felons and Ammunition: Prohibited but Persistent

Yes, there are federal laws that prohibit convicted felons from possessing firearms or ammunition. And the law is clear: it's illegal for individuals with felony convictions to ship, transport, possess, or receive firearms or ammunition. 

However, the hard reality is that many felons already still manage to obtain these items illegally. Let’s look at the stats:

• In fiscal year 2018, there were 6,719 convictions under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g), (the federal law mentioned above) that prohibits certain persons, including felons, from possessing firearms or ammunition.

• The average age of these offenders was 34 years (they’ll pass the age criteria for ammunition vending machines).

• Even worse, 25.6% of these offenders were in the highest Criminal History Category (VI), meaning that they have a significant history (long rap sheet) of prior offenses.

These numbers highlight the already significant challenge of keeping firearms and ammunition out of the hands of people who already have a significant criminal history. And now we want to give them immediate, unfettered access from a machine? But let’s take a harder look at some of the things that could go wrong with this process.  

Vending Machines: Making a Serious Problem Even Worse

Vending machines could exacerbate this already serious problem. Here's why:

1. Reduced Human Oversight: Traditional ammunition sales involve face-to-face interactions with store clerks who can potentially spot suspicious behavior and body language, or recognize known offenders. Vending machines eliminate this crucial human element.

2. Potential for Technology Failures: While the ammunition vending machines use AI and facial recognition, no technology is foolproof, especially because this technology is still so new. There's always a risk of system glitches or false positives that could allow unauthorized individuals to make purchases.

3. Hacking Concerns: As cybersecurity expert Andrew Whaley points out, these vending machines could be vulnerable to hacking. A sophisticated cyber-attack could potentially disable age verification systems or manipulate transaction records.

4. Increased Availability: Easy accessibility of these machines means that determined felons have more opportunities to attempt purchases, especially during off-hours when there's less overall surveillance.

Real-World Implications

While specific incidents involving ammunition vending machines are not yet widely reported due to their recent introduction, we can draw parallels from existing cases of felons illegally obtaining ammunition. For instance, a RAND study in the city of Los Angeles found that in just two months, 52 prohibited individuals in Los Angeles purchased over 10,000 rounds of ammunition. This occurred even with existing safeguards in place. Now, imagine how these numbers could increase with the widespread deployment of easily accessible vending machines. And plans are in place to greatly increase the number of vending machines deployed. As the CEO of American Rounds recently reported to Newsweek: "We have over 200 store requests for AARM [Automated Ammo Retail Machine] units covering approximately nine states currently and that number is growing daily."

As a society, we have to weigh the convenience offered by these vending machines against the potential risks they pose when known criminals can circumvent the law.  And while technology can enhance many aspects of our lives, when it comes to items as sensitive as ammunition, we have to prioritize safety and security above all else.

Here are some additional safeguards that could be implemented if/when these machines do become more widespread. They could include:

1. Enhanced background check systems integrated with real-time law enforcement databases.

2. Strict cybersecurity protocols to prevent hacking attempts.

3. Regular audits and monitoring of vending machine transactions.

4. Limiting the locations and operating hours of these machines.

While ammunition vending machines may seem like another step toward progress, they also represent a potential step backwards in our efforts to keep communities safe from gun violence. As a retired law enforcement officer, I urge caution and thorough consideration of all potential consequences before widely adopting this technology. The ease of access these machines provide may come at too high a cost to public safety.