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Newark Police Ask That People Turn In Guns- with no questions asked.
Why should New York City residents use alarm clocks to awake them, why not replace them with gun shots? These are questions many New York City residents ask themselves everyday. For the past year, shootouts have been increasingly common in many NYC neighborhoods causing countless deaths. Lately the accidental shooting a 10 year old girl in the Bronx caused rioting in the streets. But shootouts are very problematic in many states besides New York City. In Newark, New Jersey, the Newark police department has decided to releave guns from the streets by buying them off of gangsters or owners with no questions asked. This program was promised by Mayor Sharpe James last year after an inflammation of murders filled the area. It's mission was to reduce violence and crime in Newark, leaving residents to feel safe in their neighborhoods. The program is doing just that. In 2004 the Police bureaus collected $100,000 worth of fire arms which converts to 1,099 firearms from Newark residents. This year the department's goal is to collect $50,000 worth of firearms from wrongdoers instead of innocent residents. The city will pay $50 for rifles and shotguns, $75 for semiautomatic pistols and revolvers, and $150 for automatic handguns and assault rifles. Stated on 1010 wins, "this is an opportunity for Newark residents to turn in their guns and receive cash, no questions asked,'' Mayor Sharpe James said. ``If you have a gun in your possession, bring it in to any of our police bureaus. The life you save may be your own or that of a loved one.''
In the first week of the program, a man brought in an AK- 47. Even though the story he gave about the gun was flimsy at best (he found it in a car), the cops accepted it. He received his money and went home. As easy as that was a very dangerous weapon was taken off of the streets. As more and more guns came in, you could see the looks of relief on Newark resident's faces. They were understandably glad to see that their community had become safer. Why can' this happen in New York City? We need relief too.
The program is said to be an efficient program for the city of Newark, many New Yorkers wonder why this program does not exist in a place where crime has escalated and shootouts are always witnessed. That is a question that is not answered. The mayor believes the crime rate has been low, when others can beg to differ. A large part of the mayoral race has been based on the fact that while crime appears to be dropping overall, looks can be deceiving. The news is becoming more focused on the rampant shootings and stabbings in the Big Apple. With violent crime up, shouldn't a program be instituted that might finally help curb this dangerous trend?
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