From an investigative point of view, I see the mandatory minimums for firearms offences as being a bonus. They may not be preventative in such a way that a gang member will go, “I could go to jail for four years if I'm caught with this handgun”, but what they will do is take that particular gang member off the street, unable to recommit any crimes during the time he's in custody. And that may seem obvious, but that's very important.
On March 30th, 2010. See this statement in context.