Alachua County GUN BOUNTY PROJECT Presented by: Sheriff Sadie Darnell

Gun Bounty Program THE CONCEPT IS SIMPLE: Anonymous information provided by citizens results in: Arrests Seizures of Guns used illegally Weapons Charges / Convictions And if the information provided meets the Gun Bounty criteria, the result is a $1, reward “No Questions Asked”

As simple as this

How the Program Works The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office will act as a “silent partner” while publicly supporting the project. Alachua County Crime Stoppers will reward a “bounty” for viable tips through funding provided by The Sheriff’s Office, along with donations from within the community. The “Snitch Stigma” is removed since the Sheriff’s Office doesn’t appear to be paying out the rewards. Program will act as an apprehension tool, assist in crime prevention, and provide good public relations.

Anticipated Benefits of the Gun Bounty Program Targets the criminal, and firearms used in criminal activities, or criminals in the possession of a gun at the time of their arrest. When successful, the criminal, as well as their guns will be removed from our streets. Greed will cause friends, other offenders and even close family members to join with “good citizens”, in turning in criminals for cash.

Additional Anticipated Benefits Empowers citizens to make their neighborhoods safer by reporting criminals with guns, for a reward. Great investigative tool for violent crimes through the placement of door hangers, posters, public service announcements etc. Will become a very useful source of incidental intelligence, that will be obtained through follow-up investigations.

Considerations of the Gun Bounty Program Success of this Program is dependent upon: A good working relationship with citizens, Crime Stoppers, other law enforcement agencies, and prosecutors. Additional and supplemental funding sources being identified and utilized where needed.

What this all means... Guns Off the Street Criminals in Jail Lives Saved Additional Crimes Cleared All for just $1,000.00

Jacksonville / Duval County * Time Period Reported 10/6/ /29/2008* Tips received =1442 Arrests made = 171 Reward amount approved = $127,000 *(Approx 1.5 years)

Orlando / Orange County * Time Period Reported 02/28/07 – 12/17/08* Tips Received= Over 1500 Arrest Made= 94 Total Number of Seized Guns = 215 Reward Amount Approved= 93,500* *only $47, claimed *(Approx 2 years)

Orlando / Orange County Orlando / Orange County Additional Statistics $190,000.00$190, in cash seized (Value of other seized property not include ) ½ Million Dollars½ Million Dollars in Drugs seized (street value)

Miami / Dade County * Time Period Reported 06/01/07 – 01/05/09* Tips Received= 1051 Arrest Made= 147 *Total Number of Seized Guns = 245* Reward Amount Paid Out = $147, *Dade County reports a tremendous amount of seized property has been recovered, as a direct result of their Gun Bounty program. Figures for these seizures are scheduled to be Published in a press conference in February *(Approx 1.5 years)

Alachua County * Projections for the First Year * Tips – 412 Arrest – 48 Payouts - $36, If this program seems costly, you should consider the expense of conventional investigations involving gun crimes. *Estimation is based on population differential between Duval County and Alachua County (3.5X)