The resolution proposes reporting on the illegal possession and use of firearms

Share

Tweet

Share

Share

Email

Comments

ALBUQUERQUE, NM (KRQE) – An Albuquerque city councilman wants to make it easier for people who illegally own guns to report. Louie Sanchez wants to create a hotline for people to call when they see something.

This would work like a 3-1-1 tip line that people can call if they see someone shoot a gun or know the person shouldn’t have a gun. “There is no criminal in possession who commits a violent crime that should think they are off our radar,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray.

In February, the FBI announced it would help prosecute convicted felons found in possession of firearms. Now Councilor Louie Sanchez is offering that line of advice. His office said he was too busy to talk about it on Monday.

The resolution believes the new program would “potentially reduce the number of illegally owned guns in the community.” The resolution states that the program will be in cooperation with agencies such as APD, BCSO, FBI and ATF.

Also, a law enforcement agency would investigate within 24 hours. KRQE News 13 reached out to APD to get their reaction to the resolution.

A spokesperson says they “welcome any support from the city council to reduce gun violence” and that “there are many programs currently in place to assist” in reporting and tracking stolen guns. Some of those programs include ShotSpotter, which detects when a gun has been fired.

The resolution also states that $100,000 will be needed to fund the program. It will be introduced tonight at the session of the City Council. The law says the tip will go through Crime Stoppers, and callers could receive a cash reward if the tip results in the seizure of an illegal gun.