Milwaukee police seized 2,733 guns in 2007, nearly 10 percent more than the prior year, Mayor Tom Barrett announced at a news conference today.
In 2006, police seized 2,490 guns, according to department figures.
Barrett said the city and police do not plan to let up in 2008. "We will be more aggressive," he said. "That's our new year's resolution."
That's nice.
Milwaukee police seized more guns in 2007 than in 2006.
It's progress that can't be denied. It's a step in the right direction, right?
It sounds good, but it's also a bit of a smokescreen.
Was there a massives increase in the number of guns in Milwaukee during 2007? That's important. If the number of guns on the street increased by 30%, then a 9.8% seizure rate means the progress isn't too impressive.
Barrett is hyping a statistic without context.
Another thing--
Did Barrett hold a news conference to announce that homicides in Milwaukee increased slightly in 2007?
Progress wasn't made when it comes to murder.
Actually, I'd be more impressed by figures revealing how many thugs were seized and taken off the streets rather than how many guns were taken out of circulation.
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