BEIJING, Jan. 29 (Xinhuanet) -- US President Barack Obama has asked police officials from the three communities hardest hit by mass shootings last year for help in securing tough new gun legislation. At a White House meeting on Monday, Obama said no group was more important in the gun debate than law enforcement representatives.

Obama said, "We recognize that this is an issue that elicits a lot of passion all across the country. And (Vice President) Joe (Biden) and my Cabinet members who have been involved in this have been on a listening session over the last several months. No group is more important for us to listen to than our law enforcement officials. They are where the rubber hits the road."

Obama has promised to take on board their views concerning gun violence. He added that he believes Congress will respond to appeals from police.

The White House meeting comes two weeks after Obama put forward a broad package of measures aimed at curbing gun violence. It includes a ban on assault rifles and high-capacity clips, alongside improved background checks on would-be owners.