There are few topics in this country more polarizing than the discussion of guns and gun crime.
The opinions on both sides are strong and divide cities, communities and even families, but I feel the one side of this topic that we should all be able to agree on is the existing laws are not being enforced. There are over 80 gun laws on the books and after every incident there is a call for more.
The Connecticut General Assembly Office of Legislative Research has complied three reports over the last 10 years documenting the disposition of every firearm related offense from 2001 – 2017 and the numbers of arrests are quite high, but it’s the amount of cases that are Nolled is staggering.
A ‘Nolle’ is when the prosecutor declines to prosecute a particular charge.
Here are a few sample statistics:
- Carrying a firearm without a permit 9,941 Charges Filed, 5,280 Nolle (53%)
- Illegal Alteration of Firearm ID/ Mark or Number 1,520 Charges Filed, 1,264 Nolle (83%)
- Stealing a Firearm 5,929 Charges Files , 4,276 Nolle (72%)
- Using a Firearm to Commit Class A, B Or C Felony 143 Charges Filed, 99 Nolle (69%)
- Possession of a Firearm on School Grounds 347 Charges Filed, 283 Nolle (81%)
It’s time to ask the Attorney General and our representatives in Hartford why are so many charges for crimes committed with firearms being dropped.
If the true goal is public safety then it is time for mandatory prison terms for gun crimes. It is time for these charges to be prosecuted, not dismissed. It is time to focus on the ‘crime’ part of ‘gun crime.’ I think we can agree to this.
All statistics cited are available in reports 2007-R-0442, 2013-R-0174 and 2018-R-0018 from The Connecticut General Assembly Office of Legislative Research www.cga.ct.gov/olr
Douglas Kneissl
Derby CT
Letters do not necessarily reflect the view of The Valley Indy.
