BAD : Don't Print in West Palm Beach

[sirdarksoul]

Live in a tough neighborhood? Get $500 from West Palm Beach police for reporting guns

Friday, June 19, 2009

WEST PALM BEACH — Live in a rough 'hood surrounded by gun-packing thugs? Quick cash is a phone call away.

Under a new program announced this morning, anyone who spots people packing heat in West Palm Beach can call Palm Beach County Crime Stoppers anonymously and could receive a $500 reward.

The West Palm Beach Police Department will cough up $500 each time such a phone call leads to recovery of the weapon and an arrest for unlawful firearm possession.

Police say the program, modeled after similar efforts in Miami and Orlando, is different from traditional gun buyback programs because it seeks to nail the gun-wielders themselves.

"Ours actually goes after the felon," West Palm Beach police Lt. David Bernhardt said. "When you see the thousands of dollars we spend on a criminal investigation, $500 is nothing."

The police department has set aside $5,000 for the program — enough to dole out 10 full rewards. Bernhardt said that if it is a success officials will find money to continue giving out payments for gun arrests even after the initial money is depleted.

"We hope this will help to alleviate the violent crime," he said.

Anyone who sees an armed person can anonymously call Crime Stoppers at (800) 458-8477 (TIPS).

Information leading to recovery of the gun and an arrest on a weapons charge will result in a $500 reward.

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[Saber]

What? They are actually seeking out permits holders that may print?
Regards,

[Ron]

They are looking for "unlawful firearm possession." I don't believe that printing makes possession of the firearm unlawful.

[jeephipwr]

The way I read it "unlawful possession". You have a CCL, no problem. BUt keep your weapon concealed.

[sirdarksoul]

Yeah they are looking for unlawful possession but it spells possible harassment for anybody who might be noticed carrying. It'll make for a lot of MWAG calls.

[ExactlyMyPoint]

Under a new program announced this morning, anyone who spots people packing heat in West Palm Beach can call Palm Beach County Crime Stoppers anonymously and could receive a $500 reward.

If you are anonymous, how do they know who to give the money to?

[fogish]

If you are anonymous, how do they know who to give the money to?

You meet them at the scene while they check for the gun. That way you can point out which person you called about had the gun.

[Hardcorp]

So lets say they get an anonymous tip.. they don't find a gun but they find drugs.. Do they let them go?

Or if they don't find the gun on them, do they search their car or house?

[retsupt99]

Stay armed...stay inside the law, no problem...stay safe!

[DaveH]

Can't be all that effective if the police department has set aside only $5,000 for the program -- e.g., only 10 calls/arrests.

[TucAzRider]

If you are anonymous, how do they know who to give the money to?

HA HA HA HA....

They are just going to make the anonymous checks out to ... Hmmmm... Ok, they can make them out to me..

[Bunny]

What? They are actually seeking out permits holders that may print?
Regards,

No. They are seeking people who are unlawfully possessing firearms, and do not pay the $500 reward unless the tip leads to BOTH recovery of the firearm AND an arrest.

Yes, it may lead to more of a hassle for lawful CC'ers if you print, but they're looking for people who have guns illegally. I doubt if you CC in the area and wear good cover garments, that it's going to suddenly become a huge problem. Remember, you're LEGAL and have the permit. Why would they confiscate your gun and arrest you for illegal possession?

[PastorPack]

Let's see, that's #127 on my list of reasons to avoid Florida.

[Stealie]

Big brother is watching...

[Miggy]

Police say the program, modeled after similar efforts in Miami and Orlando, is different from traditional gun buyback programs because it seeks to nail the gun-wielders themselves.

And as in Miami and Orlando, the program has gone nowhere and to my knowledge, nobody carrying legally has been harassed.