San Francisco police oppose city's proposed gun ban

[bluestateguy]

I view this as encouraging. At least if the measure passes, maybe we can count on the cops being less than vigorous in enforcing the law.

http://www.sfpoa.org/Journal/articles/october_05_article4.htm?id=24653

The San Francisco Gun Ban Initiative (Proposition H) will appear on the next election ballot in November. Several supervisors have touted the ban as a step in curbing violence and increasing public safety. The San Francisco Police Officers Association (POA), representing men and women dedicated to a life of service to public safety, must evaluate any legislative effort affecting its membership. After careful review and analysis, the POA does not support the proposed ballot initiative that would nullify the personal choice of city residents to lawfully possess a handgun for selfdefense purposes.

The Handgun Ban
The proposed ordinance would prohibit San Francisco residents from possessing any handgun, and they would have 90 days to relinquish their property. The sale, manufacture, and distribution of firearms would be prohibited. Visitors to the city would not be subject to the ban if they are in compliance with applicable laws. Police officers and members of the military would also be exempt while “carrying out the functions of his or her government employment.” And it should be noted that no exemption for retired members of our association or other law enforcement agencies is stated in the proposal.

The role members of the police department, represented by the POA, will play in any door-to-door gun confiscation scheme is cause for concern.

Nearly 22,000 handguns have been purchased by residents since 1996, according to the state attorney general’s office.<1> But there is no way to determine how many total guns exist because local governments are forbidden under state law from requiring firearms to be registered or licensed.
It is unclear what database the city would utilize to track San Franciscans who have lawfully purchased handguns.

[Spirochete]

1. From one extreme to the other

Wasn't it San Francisco that made a law some years ago that everyone HAD to have a gun?

[Starbucks Anarchist]

3. I think that was some town in Utah.

However, this gun ban is a REALLY stupid idea. I'm no fan of guns, but this is just ridiculous.

[shraby]

2. This will probably end up in the Supreme Court.

[tritsofme]

4. Hand guns are illegal in Chicago

And I doubt the criminal elements of the city care very much.

[EFerrari]

5. I hope the POA has a secret plan to do SOMETHING

about the out of control murder rate in this town. :eyes:

[TreasonousBastard]

6. Feh! New York's handgun ban has...

probably had a negligable effect on crime. Anyone can buy a gun smuggled in from Virginia or some other place.

Methinks perhaps the real objection the POA has to this is the ban on off-duty and retired cops owning or carrying guns.

[REP]

7. So Glad I Live Outside The City

I live in the 'burbs, where I think there was a murder (husband bashed his wife;s skull in with a table leg) a few years ago a few towns over. Not sure I want to hand over a weapon I bought legally and paid a lot of money for that I wouldn't be reimbursed. I don't think many other people will like that idea either.