RESOLUTION CONCERNING GPS TECHNOLOGY EMBEDDED IN FIREARMS
WHEREAS, It is patently obvious to every citizen who follows the national and local news that the numbers of homicides by firearms are at epidemic proportions.
WHEREAS, Currently within the Chicago area, there have been 506 murders by gunfire in 2012 as well as numerous reports of shootings, arrests, and armed robberies involving firearms. The elementary school massacre in Newtown, Connecticut is fresh in memory as are the mass killings in an Aurora, Colorado movie theater; and
WHEREAS, Recent technological advancements in global positioning systems have made possible a method of installing global positioning technology in firearms that will reduce gun violence in this city and allow police officials to monitor as well as trace the trade and location of stolen or illegally used weapons; and
WHEREAS, It is proposed that gun manufactures install such GPS tracking devices inside in newly manufactured guns. Furthermore, legal gun owners would be required to retrofit existing firearms so that they also contain the same technology thereby allowing gun owners to assist authorities in locating and retrieving any lost or stolen weapons similar to how currently employed technology that helps locate stolen cars; and
WHEREAS, While it is acknowledged that the cost of manufacturing firearms with GPS is more costly, the GPS tracking microchips are now smaller and are becoming less expensive to manufacture. Installing such a device will not interfere with the manufacture, ownership or use of firearms. Not only will the installation of GPS chips would permit weapons to be tracked down more easily but also would also assist with the investigation of any events or acts of a violent nature involving that particular firearm; and
WHEREAS, Rob Consalvo, a Councilor on the City of Boston City Council, has noted similar issues concerning gun violence in Boston. He, too, has proposed GPS chip installation in firearm. It is imperative that the City of Chicago join with the City of Boston in its fight to reduce gun violence; and
WHEREAS, The Honorable Willie B. Cochran, Alderman of the 20th Ward has informed this august body about this new option for combating the continuing endemic scourge of firearm felonies; now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED That we, the Mayor and members of the City of Chicago City Council, assembled here this 17th Day of January, 2013 AD, do hereby call on the Committee on Public Safety to hold hearings to receive testimony concerning proposed mandatory GPS tracking chips embedded in future and current legal firearms.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED That a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to the Committee on Public Safety.
WILLIE B. COCHRAN Alderman - 20th Ward