Federal Time For Gun Crimes

Little Rock Police Chief Lawrence Johnson and Prosecuting Attorney Larry Jegley joined in a partnership with United States Attorney Bud Cummins and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to launch a program to crack down on gun crimes. Project Safe Neighborhoods aims to reduce illegal gun use, promote gun safety and educate people about the consequences of illegal gun use. Every police chief in the county has agreed to participate ni the program. "Our message to those who commit crimes with guns is they will face federal prosecution that means they face time in the federal penetentary far from family and friends," says Chief Johnson. Police and prosecutors say crime has gotten out of hand. "If the current rate of violent crime in the city limits of Little Rock continues there will be one violent offense for every 70 people," Jegley says. Organizers say they will look at filing federal charges if it applies. This could mean prison time with no opportunity for parole. "Also the fact that people will be taken out of the community and will go waay for a long time and won`t be back in six months." says Cummins.