imported post
Cuandoman
wrote:
This is an example of LE and lawmakers trying to brainstorm ideas how to nab illegal posession. I have the same issue with it as you do, namely that if my gun were to print, I'll have a police officer all up in my bidness. I do support the removal of arms from people who have them illegally, and there has to be some sort of solution to keep the weapons in the hands of the good guys.
This is a pretty well conceptualized, though seriously underfunded, program. Seems to me, anyway. I would be in favor of continuation of funding such a program if it produced illegal guns and illegal thugs for incarceration.
Who on earth could be against taking illegal guns and thugs who carry them off the street!!!??? Hmmmm. I think I know...
Cuandoman
wrote:
As information only.....that is
not necessarily a well regarded quality amongst pro-gun rights (or anti-gun rights) groups....
Live in a tough neighborhood? Get $500 from West Palm Beach police for reporting guns
By ANDREW MARRA
Palm Beach Post Staff Writer
Friday, June 19, 2009
WEST PALM BEACH — Live in a rough 'hood surrounded by gun-packing thugs? Quick cash is a phone call away.
Under a new program announced this morning, anyone who spots people packing heat in West Palm Beach can call Palm Beach County Crime Stoppers anonymously and could receive a $500 reward.
The West Palm Beach Police Department will cough up $500 each time such a phone call leads to recovery of the weapon and an arrest for unlawful firearm possession.
Police say the program, modeled after similar efforts in Miami and Orlando, is different from traditional gun buyback programs because it seeks to nail the gun-wielders themselves.
"Ours actually goes after the felon," West Palm Beach police Lt. David Bernhardt said. "When you see the thousands of dollars we spend on a criminal investigation, $500 is nothing."
The police department has set aside $5,000 for the program — enough to dole out 10 full rewards. Bernhardt said that if it is a success officials will find money to continue giving out payments for gun arrests even after the initial money is depleted.
"We hope this will help to alleviate the violent crime," he said.
Anyone who sees an armed person can anonymously call Crime Stoppers at (800) 458-8477 (TIPS).
Information leading to recovery of the gun and an arrest on a weapons charge will result in a $500 reward.