Citizen Task Force Members Alberto Gonzales and Barbara Robinson Stand Behind Mayor Jim Suttle As He Announces the New Illegal Gun Task Force, With Councilman Ben Gray and Jonathan Crosby of the City Prosecutor's Office
March 28, 2012 – Mayor Jim Suttle unveiled the second of two initiatives to assist in addressing crime in Omaha today. The Mayor issued an executive order establishing a special task force to expand the City’s ongoing search for innovative ways to reduce violent crimes and homicides by removing illegal guns from Omaha streets.
The group will be asked to study “best practices” from comparable cities across the country, find ways of improving communication between city officials, prosecutors, law enforcement, and the public on what is being done to make our streets safer, and aggressively prosecute first offense misdemeanors for illegal gun possession or use in criminal activity. They will also be looking at advanced reporting of illegal guns through new technology, which can lead to more arrests, and potential legislation mandating harsher penalties for those who sell or use illegal guns.
“The task force is composed of professionals in City government, elected officials, and citizens who will assist already established law enforcement coalitions and community organizations to see if there are new ways to remove illegal guns from our streets,” said Marty Conboy, Prosecutor.
“The goal of this task force is to help existing groups promote what is working and broaden our search for new methods of combating gun violence in our community,” added Mayor Suttle.
The task force includes; Mayor Jim Suttle, District 2 City Councilmember Ben Gray, District 4 City Councilmember Garry Gernandt, Special City Prosecutor Jonathan Crosby, Omaha Police Department Captain Russell Horine, and three citizens: Barbara Robinson, Alberto Gonzales, and Primus Jones.
