Stopping gun violence

This letter was sent to Public Safety Minister David Burch and copied to The Royal Gazette. The writer has also provided Sen. Burch's reply.

November 16, 2009

Dear Sir,

The most pressing issue facing Bermuda right now is the increase in gun violence. We have tons of other things that need to be sorted, but in my opinion the prevalence and use of guns is the most immediate and frightening issue facing Bermudians. Here are my suggestions to the Government, Governor and Police in order to put down this gun violence.

The first thing would be to impose as soon as possible a one-month gun amnesty whereby illegal guns can be turned in by anyone with no questions asked. For each gun turned in under the amnesty programme, that individual will be rewarded with a substantial monetary reward of $2,000 to $3,000 depending on the functionality of the gun. For example, a fairly new working weapon would get $3,000 whereas an older weapon, in not so good condition, would get $2,000. During the gun amnesty, inform the public that after the amnesty period is over law enforcement will aggressively pursue those suspected of owning illegal weapons.

At the conclusion of the gun amnesty, implement another financial reward programme with meaningful financial incentives, in order to encourage members of the public, who know the whereabouts of an illegal gun, to report the gun to the anonymous hotline based in Miami. Aggressively advertise this anonymous hotline number nightly on the local news programmes via commercials. For every gun recovered under this programme, reward the tipster with at minimum, a $3,000 reward. There is a recession going on and I strongly believe that there are people who would take advantage of this reward programme by turning in those who have guns. Who knows, maybe even the gangsters themselves will call in tips revealing the location of illegal guns owned by their rivals.

At the same time the gun reward programme is in place, the Police need to aggressively go after suspected illegal gun owners and those suspected of having guns in their possession. The Police need to be given the authority to use a "heavy hand" in order to get weapons off the street. Police have to target known gang leaders and members and then send in specialised, armed teams to kick in these guys' doors to conduct weapons searches. Do this in the middle of the day or night. If these gangsters live at home, kick in Mom and Dad's door repeatedly until either they give up the guns or put their offending sons out of their house. Same thing if they live with their grandmother, grandfather or girlfriend.

If a known gang member is spotted by the Police travelling anywhere, stop and search him and his vehicle thoroughly. The police have to do this repeatedly and consistently until the gangsters feel totally harassed. Make them feel extreme discomfort until they either dispose of the gun or someone turns it in.

If someone is caught with an illegal weapon, they must be imprisoned for a lengthy sentence with no early release. Basically, If you have a gun in your possession then you intended to kill someone so go to jail and do not pass go.

Doing these things will most likely mean that the Police will get increased complaints from the public. I believe that the Bermudian public is ready for more punitive action to be taken by the police and will tolerate a little discomfort, in order to get the streets back under control. These are dire times and the solution will require dire actions. I am convinced that if these policies are implemented we will see a meaningful reduction in gun violence.

SYLVAN RICHARDS

Paget

November 20, 2009

Dear Mr. Richards,

Thank you for your suggestions on how we can correct the current lawlessness in Bermuda. You join countless other Bermudians in offering advice on potential solutions.

History and current intelligence confirm that gun amnesties do not achieve the results one might expect. Sadly our young men are hell bent on harming one another – regardless of the consequences and that is the problem that needs addressing. There are a number of efforts underway to do just that. Additionally, there is the risk that a weapon used in a crime is dumped and the ability to prosecute is removed.

With regard to your other suggestion of more proactive policing – I hope you will have seen reported in the media recently that actions in this vein are currently underway.

Again thank you for writing.

SEN. DAVID BURCH

Minister of Public Safety