House Republican Press Release

December 27, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

With funding, Gun Trafficking Task Force getting the job done

As an advocate in the legislature for increased funding for the Statewide Firearms Trafficking Task Force, I was pleased to find out that the task force significantly increased its seizures of illegal firearms in 2007. In 2007, thanks to $400,000 in state funding, the task force was able to take 656 illegal firearms off the street and arrest 37 people on gun trafficking charges. Reports indicate that in 2005, operating courtesy of a smaller $50,000 federal grant, the task force seized just 24 illegal weapons.

Re-funding this program has done more to get illegal firearms off the streets and increase public safety than virtually any legislation we have passed in the recent past. It was a program that was supported by legitimate gun owners and other sportsmen and women across the state. It has given our state police an extremely effective tool to go after those who traffic in illegal firearms where the real problem exists.

When you consider that most firearms crimes are committed with illegal firearms, this program is a resounding success. This is proof positive that through well-crafted legislation we can get illegal weapons out of the hands of those who would do us harm without infringing on the rights of law-abiding gun owners. It is my hope the legislature sees the good work of the task force and will continue to fund the unit in future budget years.

State Rep. Richard Ferrari (R-62)

Rep. Ferrari represents New Hartford, Granby, East Granby and Barkhamsted in the General Assembly.