We know first-hand the effect violent crime is having on our community. We have watched in the courtroom, the classroom and the community as young people head down a path that leads to one side or another of a tragic criminal equation. We have seen the devastating effect of violent crime on families, friends and neighbors. And we are deeply concerned not only about the individuals involved, but about the implications this trend has for our city's future.
The time has come for us to take action to prevent Jacksonville's story of hope, promise and surmounting the odds from becoming a tale of hopelessness, violence and economic stagnation. It is an enormous challenge, but the answer is the same one that has always brought us success: we must act together, and we must act now. We recognize that an enhanced law enforcement presence is a big part of the solution we will work with the Sheriff on force enhancement. But there must be more.
Accordingly, I'm asking you to join with me and others throughout the community in an effort to not just stem, but also to reverse the tide of violence that threatens our children, our families and our future. We will divide this effort among some of our city's best hearts and minds, enlist the help of others, and work to mobilize our entire city to do what needs to be done.
Your role on this subcommittee is one of the most demanding, because it is the most immediate. I'm asking you to put a speed bump in the road to rising crime immediately, with proven police, prosecution and judicial methods, and with resources provided initially by the City of Jacksonville.
Because of the urgent nature of this crisis, I will ask the Jacksonville City Council to direct $3 million from Jacksonville's reserve accounts to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office to fund overtime for police working in the most challenging parts of Jacksonville. When we undertook this effort two summers ago, we saw results so we will ask the City Council to approve doing so again.
Below is an outline of other initiatives that, when implemented, can represent a short and mid-term deterrent to violence in our community. Other subcommittees will address long-term solutions; it is the role of this subcommittee to determine and implement what can be done today. These are not new ideas, but proven countermeasures that have worked in other communities and our own.
Continue/expand Chamber's Gun Bounty program
Work with Chamber to target illegal guns by offering substantial financial rewards for information leading to arrests and confiscation of weapons. This is not a gun buy-back program, which yields mostly household firearms; this is meant to address illegal guns that are being or could be used in crimes. The business community can be tapped to fund this program. Swift police follow-up and hefty rewards for informants help discourage carrying or "flashing" an illegal firearm. A similar program instituted in Charleston, S.C. is credited with a drastic reduction in the number of guns being brought to school and a 34 percent decrease in criminal firearm incidents over five years.
Enforce curfew
Enforce the city-wide curfew. Curfew applies to citizens under 18 and begins at 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and at midnight on Friday and Saturday.
Enhance community policing techniques to enhance tips and get guns off streets
In many of Jacksonville's neighborhoods, a pervasive culture of mistrust and suspicion exists. This effort would provide for enhancements to current community policing strategies and promote better awareness of JSO initiatives. Cities such as Tampa and San Diego have had great past success when they ramped up community-oriented policing efforts.
Set up roadblocks on weekend nights to reduce traffic homicides
In addition to our violent crime rate, the city's traffic homicide rate is unacceptable. In order to ensure safer streets and save lives, legally allowable roadblocks will provide for drivers' license checks, DUI enforcement and related activities.
Zero Tolerance for Gun Crimes
Effective immediately, institute a policy of zero tolerance for gun crimes. Pursue felony prosecution for all gun crimes, period. Send message to illegal gun carriers and users that their behavior will not be tolerated.
Host Florida Violent Crime Summit with Mayor Bloomberg – Mayors Against Illegal Guns
Host a day-long summit along with other Florida mayors, featuring New York Mayor Bloomberg. Goals of the coalition include punishing gun offenders and traffickers, holding irresponsible gun dealers accountable and demanding access to trace data critical to law enforcement efforts. Elected and appointed Sheriffs from across Florida will also be invited.
Demand enhanced penalties and fully employ 10-20-LIFE
Encourage the State Attorney's Office and the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office to make Jacksonville the most aggressive city in Florida when it comes to prosecuting illegal use and possession of guns. Demand maximum penalties.
Adam Hollingsworth, Facilitator/Liaison
(904) 630-1253 adamh@coj.net
Misty Skipper, Staff Support Coordinator
(904) 630-7377 mskipper@coj.net