Letter: Guns not the root of the problem amid violent crime increase
Violent crime is up? No real surprise. Crime fluctuates for many reasons, and we remain in a ‘pandemic-induced malaise’ which is probably contributing to the spike as well.
The good points in a story published April 5 and headlined "Violent crimes up: Times guns pulled in threatening manner more than doubled since 2019" are overshadowed by references to "gun violence" implying that guns are the cause of the violence. Guns are stupid, inanimate objects, incapable of cogent thought and can’t be blamed for anything. The individuals who choose to commit crimes are directly responsible.
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“Intelligence-focused information” is old news. Units like "Project Shield" and TRAP - now defunct - were responsible for removing dozens of guns, and significant quantities of drugs and paraphernalia off the street. I know because I ran those units.
There is some hope. As Rev. Alan Mainor points out in the story, “When the family structure is interrupted, when the men are out of the households, structure and discipline go out the door.”
There is more to this problem than guns and it won’t be fixed soon. I applaud the efforts of individuals who are attempting to bring about positive change but, focusing on "gun violence" effectively isolates and dissuades many from promoting those programs.
In recent news: Effingham County prosecutor accidentally shoots himself while showing co-worker his gun
There is no culture of "gun violence." There is, rather, a culture of apathy and a lack of strong leadership in positions responsible for creating a meaningful influence against all violent crime.
What I see is a lot of talking and not much action. If there is going to be any significant and meaningful change, leaders must make the change happen.
Gary J. Glemboski, Savannah
Editor's note: Glemboski serves as director of Global Tactical Training Group and has a background in law enforcement.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: It will take more than police removing guns to decrease violent crime
