Observers say the Lautenberg Act -- named for Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) -- passed in September may greatly increase the number of Americans prohibited by federal law from owning firearms. One unintended consequence: some police are having their guns taken away.

• In the past, gun control legislation almost always contained an exemption for police when they were on duty.

• But thanks to an amendment by Rep. Bob Barr (R-GA), law enforcement officials are no longer exempt from gun control laws.

• The new law prevents anyone from owning a gun or possessing any ammunition who has ever been convicted of a misdemeanor involving the use or attempted use of physical force, or the threatened use of a deadly weapon against a spouse, child, intimate partner or other cohabitant.

• Observers say this provision has thrown the whole police world into confusion, since domestic violence is sometimes a problem in police families.

Critics say state laws on domestic violence are totally inconsistent, with such actions as shoving, shaking a fist at a spouse or "trespassing" falling into the category in some states.

Moreover, ordinary citizens have in some cases been found guilty of child abuse simply for giving a spanking. Experts say that as many as one-third of domestic violence charges are false -- particularly in divorce or child custody cases.

Meanwhile, five Columbus, Ohio, cops have been stripped of their firearms and duties under the restriction. Six Minneapolis police officers, including the head of the homicide unit, are on paid leave pending an investigation by the department.

Source: James Bovard (author of "Lost Rights: The Destruction of American Liberty"), "Disarming Those Who Need Guns Most," Wall Street Journal, December 23, 1996.