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Memphis Police Director joins TN lawmakers to make streets safer WMCTV.COM Their goal is to drum up support for the new Crooks with Guns legislation. Chief Godwin and other lawmen from around the state are fed up with the number of guns that fall into the hands of criminals. "This weapon right here is an s.g. 551 6-hour 223 fully automatic it will shoot one round burst three round burst 20 round burst, this weapon right here is capable of firing 550 600 rounds per minute," says Director Godwin. And Monday morning Godwin and other lawmen in the state's new Public Safety Coalition will visit legislators in Nashville and show their support for a group of anti-crime bills called Crooks With Guns Legislation. "The state of New York implemented similar legislation several years ago and cut crime by 58 percent," says Tennessee State Senator Mark Norris. Norris is a co-sponsor of the legislation. "We're trying to crack down on violent criminals to quit coddling criminals," says Norris. The bills cover crimes from illegal firearms to gang violence. It also adds extra prison time to repeat offenders who commit crimes with a guns. As well as when twp or more people are convicted of committing a violent crime. However the bill's toughest challenge may be funding. Supporters say it will cost around $70 million. Police say the challenge now is to get legislators to support that funding and get the governor to add it to the state budget. The Public Safety Coalition may have their work cut out for them. State Representative Barbara Cooper says she thinks the Crooks with Guns legislation is too broad. She says she'd rather focus on preventative measures rather than punishment. |
