The city of Syracuse, New York had seen an overall nine percent decrease in crime in the last year. Now, though, they’re asking their citizens to adopt Stasi tactics in their fight against a growing scourge.
Part of the problem, police say, is ghost guns.
“A ghost gun is an untraceable gun so it has no serial number, no way for us to figure out who owns it, was it transferred, its not registered by the Sheriff’s Office and pistol unit,” says Sgt. Matthew Malinowski.
It may not look different, but the make-at-home so-called ‘ghost guns’ have become a trend for criminals in Syracuse.
“These ghost guns, companies will ship you a gun that’s 80 percent completed, you’ll get separate parts, and then it’s up to you as the purchaser to put the parts together, you have to do manufacturing at home,” Malinowski explains.
The untraceable guns make it easier for criminals to exploit loopholes in the system.
“It’s incumbent upon you to register it. Traditionally, criminals aren’t doing that,” Malinowski says.
How does Syracuse law enforcement intend to combat this “ghost gun” problem? By having residents inform on one another, of course.
…the police rely on the community for help.
“It’s important to understand, if you know someone making these guns and selling them, get that information over to the police so we can investigate the incident,” Malinowski says.
This is worth stepping into the WayBack Machine to the same CNY Central news website. Let’s go back to September 12, 2019 when they reported on “ghost guns” with the following details regarding their understanding of what they are:
“You can actually go online today legally and get 80 percent of a handgun,” said DA Fitzpatrick.
A ghost gun is a gun without the clip. They’re legal to buy and usually cost several hundred dollars.
To make it a usable firearm, the buyer drills holes for the clip, and then add ammunition. That’s when it violates state and federal law.
The article included a quote from LEO Matthew Mallory, a friend who also has a podcast, Meet the Pressers (he also resides in Syracuse):
Mallory reached out to 30 to 40 law enforcement officers asking about ghost guns. Most of them say there’s a bigger issue – scratching off serial numbers.
“What’s the percentage? If you look at how many actual crimes have been committed with guns that have been stolen and serial numbers that have been scratched off,” said Mallory.
There’s a lot of misinformation out there about 80 percent builds. Syracuse has apparently decided to solve what they see as a problem by having people inform on their friends and neighbors. Maybe the real issue is criminals doing what criminals do – doing illegal things – not the existence of 80 percent builds.
Just a thought, Syracuse.