Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Gun Bounty program already seeing great tips

Some good news: the Gun Bounty Program we announced June 29 already is bringing in solid leads. John Sharp, chair of the Public Safety Committee on the Kansas City Council, reported to the Board of Police Commissioners yesterday that several good tips came in before 5 p.m. the day we had the press conference introducing the program.

Remember, the Gun Bounty Program will pay $1,000 cash anonymously to whomever gives us a tip that leads to a felony weapons charge. This can be anything from a felon possessing a firearm to a stolen gun or one that's serial number has been removed. Tips must be received through the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477).

The last week has proved how important it is to get these weapons off the streets - from an 11-year-old girl killed by a stray bullet on the Fourth of July to multiple senseless homicides. All died at the hands of firearms. In nearly 86 percent of our 56 homicides year to date, the weapon was a gun. Call TIPS to help get them out of the hands who possess them illegally and walk away with $1,000.

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