Saturday, July 26, 2008

Does Chicago’s Gun Turn-In Work?

From CPR:
Diana Rivera, who supervises youth outreach workers for the Little Village Community Development Corporation, says the exchange is a great way to get a gun away from a kid. “If it’s taken away before they have the opportunity or a reason to use it,” she says, “it might make a lasting effect on a person’s life.”

Some others disagree. Frankie White-Hampton, who works with ex-offenders for the Westside Health Authority, says the city’s gun exchange mostly nets weapons that are not in use. “I don’t think it’s effective for decreasing the shootings in Chicago,” she says.

White-Hampton says the program also masks underlying causes of violence. Those, she says, include unemployment and a lack of educational opportunities.
In some respects I would rather gimmicks like this than an outright ban. Especially if there are issues with gun violence and evidence suggests that a ban doesn't curb the violence. I just hope that the money received for the gun isn't used to purchase another gun, especially if that individual has criminal intent.

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