Maybe before you should have...thought and acted?
Following the Kansas City shooting incident, Governor Mike Parson expressed his condolences to the victims and their families while vowing to address the issue of gun violence in Missouri. The governor recognized the urgency of the issue and emphasized the importance of taking action to prevent such incidents in the future.
Missouri Governor, Mike Parson, identifies as a strong supporter of the Second Amendment and the rights of individuals to bear arms. He has consistently opposed strict gun control measures and embraced a more relaxed approach toward gun ownership.
In 2020, Governor Parson signed into law the Second Amendment Preservation Act (SAPA), which aimed to shield Missouri residents from federal gun laws that infringe upon their rights. The bill specifically prohibited state and local law enforcement from enforcing federal firearms laws deemed unconstitutional under the Second Amendment. This action highlighted Governor Parson's commitment to protecting the rights of Missouri gun owners.
In a recent move to tighten gun laws, the Missouri Representative made headlines by permitting individuals as young as 19 to carry concealed weapons without a permit.,,, Research studies have consistently shown that increasing access to firearms correlates with a higher risk of firearm-related deaths and injuries. Allowing minors as young as 19 to carry concealed weapons without proper training or permits could increase the chances of accidents, misuse, or impulsive actions. These risks should not be taken lightly, especially when it comes to the safety of the general public.
The decision to allow minors to carry concealed weapons without a permit raises concerns about their emotional and mental maturity. Scientific research has consistently demonstrated that the human brain continues to develop throughout adolescence, with the prefrontal cortex responsible for impulse control and reasoning abilities being the last to fully mature. Given the impact of hormones, peer pressure, and emotional volatility during this stage, the correlation between firearm access and increased risk becomes even more concerning. The potential for accidents or impulsive actions by minors might be significantly heightened by this law change.
Critics of Governor Parson's stance argue that the relaxed approach to gun control may pose risks to public safety. They contend that stricter regulations, such as universal background checks and closing loopholes, are necessary to prevent firearm-related crimes and accidents. Critics argue that the Second Amendment Preservation Act could hamper efforts to enforce federal laws meant to restrict access to firearms to potentially dangerous individuals.
Supporters of the Governor's stance may point to statistics supporting the notion that responsible gun ownership does not inherently lead to increased crime rates. According to the Crime Prevention Research Center, states with higher rates of firearm ownership generally have lower violent crime rates. However, critics highlight studies suggesting that lax gun laws may contribute to higher rates of firearm-related deaths. A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine in 2019 found that states with more permissive gun laws had higher rates of firearm suicide and homicide.
In Kansas City MO, the current structure, where the KCPD is governed by a board appointed by the Missouri governor and the city council, dates back to 1939. However, discussions about local control have gained prominence in the last decade. The main contention lies in the fact that many argue local communities should have direct representation over the police force that operates within them, instilling a sense of accountability and ensuring local needs are met.
Supporters of local control argue that it enables greater community engagement in the decision-making process. With local representation, those who are directly affected by the police force can voice their concerns, input their expertise, and work collaboratively towards more tailored policing strategies.
Local control empowers residents and elected officials to hold the police department accountable for its actions. In a democracy, decisions affecting the community's safety should be made by those who have a direct stake in their outcomes.
With local control, communities can adapt police policies to address local concerns and embrace innovative strategies. Resources can be better allocated based on local needs and priorities. This allows for a more agile and responsive police force capable of effectively addressing localized criminal activity and community challenges.
St. Louis regained local control over its police department in 2013 after operating under state control for over 150 years. This effort was driven by similar motivations discussed earlier, including community engagement and accountability. Since the transition, a focus on community-oriented policing has improved community trust and fostered positive relationships between police and citizens.
One method that has gained traction in recent years is the enforcement of outstanding warrants…A robust body of research supports the notion that warrant plays a vital role in reducing deaths and enhancing public safety. Studies consistently show that actively pursuing outstanding warrants significantly reduces violent crimes, drug-related offenses, and overall criminal activity. An example is a comprehensive analysis conducted by the Urban Institute, which found that communities with higher warrant enforcement rates experienced a substantial decline in homicides and non-fatal shootings
For example; San Diego implemented the "Warrant Now" program, which focuses on actively serving outstanding warrants and reducing the number of wanted people living within the city. Through intensified enforcement efforts, including collaboration between law enforcement agencies, the initiative achieved remarkable results. In just one year, San Diego saw a 40% reduction in homicides, reflecting the correlation between warrant enforcement and decreasing violence.
Then in Ferguson, Missouri: Following the highly publicized incident involving Michael Brown in 2014, the Ferguson Police Department proactively examined outstanding warrants within the community. By making warrant enforcement a priority and working to clear a large backlog, the department promoted a sense of safety and community trust. The subsequent reduction in violent crimes reflected the benefits of warrant enforcement as a tool for crime prevention and public safety.
This is not limited to the US, in Glasgow, Scotland: Glasgow's innovative approach in tackling the issue of outstanding arrest warrants earned them recognition worldwide. The city developed an enforcement campaign called Operation League, targeting specific geographical areas with a high concentration of outstanding warrants. By vigorously pursuing these warrants, the program witnessed a decline in violent offenses and drug-related crimes, showcasing the positive impact of focused enforcement strategies.
And again in London, United Kingdom: London's Metropolitan Police Service utilizes a technology-driven approach to prioritize outstanding arrest warrants. Their data analysis and intelligence systems allow them to identify repeat offenders and individuals involved in serious criminal activities swiftly. This proactive strategy has been instrumental in preventing serious crimes, particularly those linked to organized gangs and violence.
It is essential for these initiatives to prioritize fairness and transparency to maintain community trust and avoid potential pitfalls such as racial or economic profiling. With a balanced approach and robust oversight, warrant enforcement can be a crucial tool in promoting public safety and saving lives.
A new report from the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions analyzes Centers for Disease Control and Prevention firearm fatality data for 2020…Using CDC mortality data, the analysis revealed that overall firearm-related deaths increased by 15 percent in 2020 to 45,222, the highest number ever recorded by the CDC since it began tracking firearm deaths in 1968. This translates to 124 individuals on average dying from gun violence every day…the researchers note that the states with the lowest gun death rates have stronger gun laws.
Each of the five states with the lowest gun death rate had both the following gun laws in place in 2020:
1) a firearm purchaser licensing law or a waiting period;
2) an Extreme Risk Protection Order law.
Extreme Risk Protection Order laws are mechanisms to temporarily remove firearms from individuals at risk for suicide or violence against others (Red Flag law).
Conversely, states that had the highest gun death rates in 2020 had stand-your-ground legislation, or laws that authorize individuals to use lethal force even in situations they might have otherwise been able to walk away from, and three of the five had permitless carry laws, which allow individuals to carry a concealed gun in public without a permit.
I suppose with his overriding power as governor and the arrangement with the KCPD, the governor can probably stop any efforts by the KC mayor or police department to make changes.changes. I don’t think it would take any changes in laws to follow up on warrants nor extra police hours. Instead of issuing more, just take care of those out there. Illegal guns will sometimes be removed through these follow up warrants.
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