September 15, 2008

Attorney General Corbett launches gun violence program in Lancaster

LANCASTER - A new gun violence program, created by the Office of Attorney General, was launched today in Lancaster.

Attorney General Tom Corbett said the program known as "Think Again: Gun Violence and Straw Purchasing," will educate the community on the dangers of gun violence and the effects of straw purchasing.

Corbett explained that a straw purchase occurs when someone buys a gun for an individual, who is not legally allowed to possess a firearm due to a prior criminal conviction.

"When you purchase a gun for a criminal and that gun is used to kill someone, it is as if you pulled the trigger yourself," Corbett said. "Our message today is simple. If you are asked to buy a gun for someone, think again."

The program includes a DVD, which shows the harsh realities and consequences of gun violence through candid interview's with a victim's mother, trauma surgeon and law enforcement.

Earlier this summer Corbett, along with Philadelphia District Attorney Lynne Abraham, officially launched the Think Again program in Philadelphia.

To tackle the escalating problem of gun violence and homicides in Philadelphia, two years ago Corbett formed the Philadelphia Gun Violence Task Force and partnered with the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office and the Philadelphia Police Department. As part of the program, Corbett hired 26 agents, who are primarily retired homicide investigators, to work hand-in-hand with the Philadelphia police on gun related crimes.

To date the Philadelphia Gun Violence Task Force has made 203 arrests; confiscated 442 illegally obtained firearms and initiated 728 investigations.

"Gun violence is not exclusively a Philadelphia problem," Corbett said. "Lancaster, York and Harrisburg have seen firsthand the effects gun violence can have on our communities. This is a problem that we see in cities and towns throughout Pennsylvania."

"It is not enough to investigate and prosecute criminals we need to educate the public, especially our children, about the dangers associated with gun violence," Corbett said.

Corbett explained that the "Think Again" program will be rolled out in communities across Pennsylvania to promote a sense of awareness about the consequences and tragedies related to gun violence and straw purchasing.

Presentations are available, free of charge, by contacting the Attorney General's Education and Outreach Unit at 1-800-525-7642 or by emailing education@attorneygeneral.gov.

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