NCJ Number
199029
Journal
USA Bulletin Volume: 50 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2002 Pages: 33-35
Date Published
January 2002
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article describes the efforts of the Federal Western District of Kentucky to counter gun crime through Project Backfire, which uses the collective resources of three agencies to address the problem of gun crime.
Abstract
Based on the success of gun-violence reduction programs in Boston, MA, and Richmond, VA, FACE based its approach on five elements: a coalition approach; a strategic focus on firearm-related crime; vigorous enforcement and prosecution of laws related to criminal possession and use of firearms; an intense publicity program designed to have a deterrent effect; and attention to support from organizations traditionally at odds in the gun-control debate. The King County Police Chiefs' Association was identified as the organization to be used as the mechanism for the development of a countywide violent firearm crime coalition. A committee was established to develop a strategic plan, which was completed after 3 months of work. Adoption of this plan by the King County Police Chiefs' Association has created consistent and mutually supportive firearm crime-related policies among law enforcement, corrections, and prosecutorial agencies. Under the strategic plan, any case that involves a firearm crime is stamped "FIREARM CRIME" in red by the originating agency before it is sent to the county prosecutor. The King County prosecutor has designated a specific deputy to review all such cases, ensuring that agreed-upon guidelines are followed and that maximum penalties are sought. This same prosecutor is cross-deputized as a U.S. Attorney and also screens cases for suspects who meet the criminal history requirements to be classified as an armed career criminal. Career criminal cases are then filed in Federal court, where conviction for any illegal firearms possession or use carries a mandatory 15-year minimum sentence, with no early release or parole. Another significant achievement of the coalition has been the training of over 150 officers throughout the county as instructors on firearm-related law and investigations. On December 1, 2000, the King County Violent Firearm Crime Coalition received recognition as one of the 10 leading firearm crime reduction programs in the country. Leaders of this coalition advise that the International Association of Chiefs of Police's Model Violent Firearm Crime Coalition Guidelines can assist any jurisdiction in developing a comprehensive and effective firearm crime reduction strategy tailored to a jurisdiction's specific laws and unique problems.