WASHINGTON INSIGHT

TRIGGERING LOCKUPS: It’s been a year since the Bush Administration imposed a tough new program against armed criminals, and here’s the score sheet: The program, known as Triggerlock, resulted in charges against more than 6,500 defendants--double the number accused under federal firearms statutes in recent years. . . . Prison sentences are averaging 18 years under the toughest of the laws--the Armed Career Criminal statute--aimed at felons with three prior convictions found to possess a gun. . . . Triggerlock hinges on cooperation from state and local authorities, who turn over to the feds any gun possession cases involving defendants with serious records. The defendants are generally tried faster than in state courts.