Title
Resolution to Endorse Ann Arbor's Participation in Gun Safety Week in Washtenaw County (July 20, 2014-July 26, 214)
Memorandum
The purpose of the Washtenaw Gun Safety Week is to educate and raise awareness about issues related to gun safety and encourage responsible gun ownership. During the week of July 20, 2014 through July 26, 2014 the Ann Arbor Police Department will be providing free gun locks and gun safety information to members of the public and collaborating with other Washtenaw County law enforcement agencies to enhance public knowledge and promote gun safety
Participation in a County-wide Gun Safety Week is one way the City can promote the culture change needed to advance the goal of responsible gun ownership.
Staff
Prepared by: Mary Joan Fales, Senior Assistant City Attorney
Reviewed by: Chief John Seto, AAPD/Safety Services Area Administrator
Sponsored by: Council Member Warpehoski
Body
Whereas, Gun violence is a serious local, state and national problem affecting many Americans and Michigan residents;
Whereas, Michigan's overall firearm deaths from 2001-2010 were 10,825 (10.83 per 100,000 residents), Michigan's firearm suicides in 2010 were 601 (6.08 per 100,000 residents), and Michigan's firearm deaths for children ages 0-17 from 2001-2010 were 555 (2.23 per 100,000 residents) (from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's "Fatal Injury Data,");
Whereas, According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's "Fatal Injury Data," Michigan's law-enforcement agents feloniously killed with a firearm from 2002 to 2011 reached 15 (0.15 per 100,000 residents) and Michigan's aggravated assaults with a firearm in 2011 at 7,679 (86.41 per 100,000 residents), were the seventh highest in the country;
Whereas, Guns are the most common weapon used in domestic violence against women and access to firearms increases the risk of homicide by more than 5 times, and individuals suffering from mental illness are at greater risk of being perpetrators or victims of gun violence, especially suicide, recognition of early warning signs and knowledge of how to respond can reduce gun violence and potentially save lives;
Whereas, Public education efforts and increasing the public's knowledge about gun safety issues and encouraging responsible gun ownership can help protect our community and provide a public service which benefits everyone; and
Whereas, Participation with other law enforcement and community agencies in Gun Safety Week, July 20, 2014 through July 26, 2014, by providing free gun locks and gun safety information to members of the public is a pro-active effect to enhance public knowledge and promote gun safety within the City of Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County;
RESOLVED, That the Ann Arbor City Council declares the week of July 20, 2014 through July 26, 2014 as Gun Safety Week in the City of Ann Arbor.
Sponsored by: Councilmember Warpehoski