GUN-CONTROL WATCH : Police Story

A huge billboard across the street from the Houston Astrodome reads: “3 million strong. We’re the NRA and we vote.”

For those attending the Republican National Convention there, the sign was a not-so-subtle reminder--politicians who don’t fall in line with the National Rifle Assn. will be marked for opposition in the November elections.

But while that thought may send collective shivers through some craven politicians, others may want to give consideration to other organizations with members who vote. Among these is the National Assn. of Police Officers (NAPO), which has 135,000 members across the country.

Angered by rising gun violence that is making victims of civilians and street cops alike, NAPO supports the Brady Bill. That legislation would require a nationwide seven-day wait for handgun buyers that would give law enforcement the time to conduct background checks.

The bill has languished in Congress, mainly because President Bush, against the recommendation of every living former President, has threatened to veto it.

This type of uncompromising resistance to reasonable firearms regulation outrages many law enforcement officers.

Increasingly, police officers are speaking out against the politics-as-usual approach to gun regulation. Last week in Pontiac, Mich., the NAPO rank and file endorsed Democratic presidential candidate Bill Clinton because, in part, of his support for the firearms waiting period.

Other politicians may want to take note.