New Push Tries to Confiscate Firearms From Felons, Mentally Ill

[Robb]

Gun-confiscation programs start to launch across the country but have their critics

(snip)

Under federal and most state laws, legal gun owners lose their right to possess firearms when they are convicted of a felony or violent misdemeanor, or are judged by a court to be mentally ill. Officials tell these people they must surrender their guns, but in much of the country, authorities don't ensure they do. Instead, people who are prohibited from having guns are left to get rid of them on their own.

Now some officials are accelerating efforts to seize those firearms. In recent months, the sheriff of Cook County, which includes Chicago, launched a gun-confiscation program; California began adding agents assigned to take away firearms; and New York enacted a law that paves the way for such a program.

On a recent Wednesday here in the rundown suburbs south of Chicago, five police officers with bulletproof vests and Glock handguns knocked on doors and tried to talk their way into homes of felons and mentally ill residents who, according to records, held gun licenses.

In its first six months, the unit has confiscated nearly 200 guns, but it has almost 5,000 more names to check.

"It's beyond absurd that no one takes it to the final step and makes sure these people don't have guns," said Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart, a former Democratic state lawmaker who says he launched the gun-confiscation program in February after recognizing the lack of enforcement....

Read More: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323971204578625622172850706.html

[sigmasix]

1. this ought to be a federal thing as well

leaving it up to the states can result in abuse of the system by local officials. A federal standard would serve as a clear indication that America is taking unlawful and irresponsible gun ownership problems seriously. A citizen's whistle-blower law ought to be in place to protect law abiding citizens that inform law enforcement about neighbors or family members with irresponsible and dangerous gun habits.

[SQUEE]

2. This is something i have favored and pushd for a LONG time.

At the very last while on parole, and at the call and under state supervision, felons should be checked at least annually, and ANY felon attempting to purchase should be met with the full force of law. Once we make a serious effort to enforce current laws, and should ther still be a SUBSTANTIAL level of violence in America, then and only then we should begin a discussion on further efforts.
Now, should there be an appreciable decline in violence, we should also look to allowing legal and responsible gun owners more acces to NFA items such as suppressors and SBRs with less onerous waits and restrictions.

[rdharma]

3. Responsible gun owners aren't bothered by the paperwork......

Come on, "onerous" restrictions and wait times? Really? For silencers, sawed off shotguns, full autos, etc. ?

I feel for you!

[SQUEE]

4. EVERYONE is botherd by paperwork...And 8-10 months

Last edited Mon Jul 29, 2013, 12:36 PM - Edit history (1)

yes onerous.. And I dont mind the 200 bucks or the paperwork, I have a few stamps, it is assinine to wait that long, should be a point of sale payment, pass NICS and collect your stamp. I notice you only want to attack my idea of compromise, not address where we might agree.
Most NFA items are no more dangerous than their easily obtainable counterparts. Those that are should be handled with greater care and concern.

[billh58]

5. I had a Grater Car

when I was younger, but the damned transmission kept braking instead of transmitting, and it made me very concerned.

Compromise? With who -- the NRA?

[tumtum]

6. This is good.

Convicted felons and those judged mentally ill should have their firearms confiscated.