L.A. County Police Chiefs Endorse Sánchez Gun Violence Prevention Bill (May 21, 2013)

Washington, DC – Today,Congresswoman Linda Sánchez (CA-38) announced that the Los Angeles County Police Chiefs Association (LACPCA) has endorsed H.R. 793, "The Firearm Safety and Buyback Grant Act of 2013." Congresswoman Sánchez introduced H.R. 793 in February to give local law enforcement agencies more options to help promote gun safety and fund comprehensive anti-violence campaigns.

"I am honored that Los Angeles County Police Chiefs' Association is endorsing The Firearm Safety and Buyback Grant Act," said Congresswoman Linda Sánchez. "Our local law police departments need the proper resources to carry out anti-violence campaigns, gun safety campaigns, and firearms buyback programs to get unwanted guns off the streets. My bill is a positive first step towards preventing gun violence and keeping our communities safe. I look forward to working with the LACPCA as we continue to gain support for this common sense gun violence prevention legislation."

"Local law enforcement agencies need all the tools available to prevent gun violence in our communities. Congresswoman Sánchez has put forward responsible gun violence prevention legislation that will help get weapons off our streets, preventing them from winding up in the hands of criminals. Local police departments are often operating under tight budget constraints, and the Congresswoman's bill and the federal grant program it establishes would make it possible for local law enforcement to fully fund anti-violence campaigns," said Long Beach Police Chief Jim McDonnell, LACPCA President.

The LACPCA membership voted unanimously to endorse The Firearm Safety and Buyback Grant Act.

Background

The Firearm Safety and Buyback Grant Act of 2013 would establish a grant program within the Department of Justice in which grants would be eligible to state, tribal, and local units of government and law enforcement agencies to carry out anti-violence campaigns, gun safety campaigns, and firearms buyback programs. H.R. 793 is also supported by Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca and the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.

Click here for more information on The Firearm Safety and Buyback Grant Act of 2013.

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