Tucson mulls rule on lost and stolen guns
If your gun is lost or stolen, do you have to tell police? In Tucson, the answer will soon be yes if a city proposal gets the green light. But the idea has proved instantly controversial.
Tucson City Councilman Steve Kozachik is behind the measure, which would require gun owners to notify police within 48 hours of their weapon being lost or stolen. The proposal has already angered gun rights advocates who say it could lead to a registry of gun owners. Kozachik, however, disagrees.
"I think it’s an issue of public safety, " he said. "I think if a gun has been stolen, I don’t think it’s a waste of time for someone to pick up the phone and let the police know, 'Someone stole my gun. It’s out in the community.'"
This is not the first time Kozachik has locked horns with gun lobbyists. His organization of a gun buy-back drive in January was heavily criticized by the NRA, and prompted him to change his party affiliation from Republican to Democrat. Kozachick’s current proposal is backed by Tucson’s police chief, as well as the Major Cities Chiefs Association.
