especially when coupled with after-school and summer job programs.
Much of the firearm violence is Chicago is the result of drug gangs fighting over turf. That is a law enforcement problem.
Even if Chicago made buying and legally carrying firearms easy, it is unrealistic to expect armed citizens to be able to stop a drive-by shooting.
Of course for better enforcement to work, the criminal justice system has to punish those who are caught.
McCarthy: Increased Police Presence Lowers Violent Crime in February
Updated March 4, 2013 2:35pm
March 4, 2013 2:35pm | By Erica Demarest, DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
NORTH LAWNDALE — Violent crime is down in "hotspots" where at least 200 cops working overtime conduct nightly patrols, and 200 more officers could soon hit the streets to target other problem areas of the city, Police Supt. Garry McCarthy said Monday.
***snip***
McCarthy said his department needs legislative help in the form of mandatory three-year prison sentences for gun possession, and a law that would require convicted criminals to complete at least 85 percent of their jail time without parole.
“There is a disturbing trend of convicted criminals not being held accountable for violent behavior, and then ending up back on street,” McCarthy said....emphasis added
He said in the first nine weeks of 2013, officers seized 1,220 firearms, or about 20 guns a day.
“I keep telling everybody to go take a look at New York,” the former NYPD cop said, noting New York City has minimum sentencing laws and strict requirements for reporting lost and stolen guns.
Read more: http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20130304/north-lawndale/mccarthy-increased-police-presence-lowers-violent-crime-february#ixzz2PM3kqAWk
= new reply since forum marked as read
