Gun Bounty Program helps get guns and criminals off the streets

Many city leaders agree stopping the violence in the River City takes long-term programs, but some initiatives that are already in place are also getting results.

One of those programs is the Gun Bounty Program. I know what you’re thinking, “Isn’t this the same thing as the Gun Buyback?” Action News Jax reporter Courtney Cole explains how it works and how it is different.

"All life is valuable. Any life that we can save and turn around, we ought to be in the trenches for them,” said Mayor Lenny Curry.

STORY: Jacksonville mayor, sheriff address programs to stop the violence

STORY: Stop the Violence: CBS47 special on August murders in Jacksonville

For Mayor Curry and Sheriff Mike Williams, of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, being in the trenches means being hands-on and creating programs to improve the quality of life for those living in high-crime areas.

"Your city should be like your family. You want to see your family grow and prosper, you want to see your city grow and prosper,” said Anthony Ballif, a new resident in Jacksonville.

One anti-gun violence program city leaders believe is working is the Gun Bounty program.

Not familiar with it? Here’s how it works.

If you know someone who has a gun illegally, you can call Crime Stoppers, anonymously, at 866-845-TIPS.

If the gun and the person are taken off the streets, the tipster could be eligible for a $1,000 reward.

Since the program was created in 2006, Crime Stoppers said 359 people have been arrested, 423 guns have been taken off the streets and $249,000 in rewards have been handed out.

“We keep the conversation going about crime and violence [and that’s] always a good thing,” said Sheriff Williams.

STORY: Mayor, Sheriff talk fighting violence with technology, communication, funding

STORY: Mayor Curry & Bishop Guns talk change, solutions for violence in Community

Cox Media Group