Michigan, Hawaii Launch ‘Tip Lines’ To Snitch On Gun Owners

from Daily Caller, October 11, 2024

Michigan and Hawaii recently advanced tip lines aimed at preventing gun crime, but Second Amendment proponents warn these initiatives could be weaponized against law abiding citizens.

On Thursday, Democratic Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed into law an education funding bill – except it allocated money to establish an anonymous tip line for students to report improper storage of firearms, according to House Bill (HB) 5503.

The bill allocates up to $1 million for 2024-2025 to create a tip line at an intermediate district, according to the legislation. It also funds the creation of “educational materials” with information on how to report improperly stored guns.

The legislation notes that an “improperly stored firearm” is one stored in violation of Michigan’s Act 372 of 1927, a law that regulates how firearms are stored in the presence of minors.

Michigan previously enacted a “secure storage law,” according to a Michigan Health & Human Services press release in February. It mandates that unattended firearms are kept “unloaded and locked with a locking device or stored in a locked box or container” if a minor will likely be present.

Critics said this tip line was a rushed amendment to the education bill.

“HB 5503 is an omnibus education funding bill that was amended to include the ‘tipline’ language and swiftly passed through the legislature with hours,” the NRA-ILA wrote in a press release.

The organization argued that the program could culminate in searches by law enforcement, including in people’s homes and businesses.

Republicans in Michigan decried the move as an attack on civil liberties.

“This hotline is nothing more than a page out of the Stasi playbook – encouraging children to spy on their own families,” Republican State Rep. Angele Rigas told The Midwesterner.

Another Republican, State Sen. Thomas Albert, labeled the amendment “a tattletale provision,” according to the outlet.

“This is a dangerous step toward weaponizing children in households for the left, and an outrageous government overreach under the guise of public safety,” Rigas warned, according to The Midwesterner.

Democratic Hawaii Gov. Josh Green announced Wednesday that the Department of Law Enforcement (DLE) created a “Gun Tip Line” for individuals to anonymously report “illegal gun ownership and gun crimes,” according to a press release.

The announcement also encourages people to report the names of any suspects, their locations and descriptions of the firearms.

“The Gun Tip Line offers another way the public can assist law enforcement in protecting our neighborhoods,” DLE Director Jordan Lowe stated in the press release. He said stolen guns, unregistered firearms and “guns in the wrong hands” can lead to crime.

“So, if you see something, send something to the Gun Tip Line and help us make Hawai’i safer,” Lowe added.

Hawaii’s Supreme Court ruled in February against a state constitutional right to carry a firearm, the Daily Caller News Foundation reported.

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Department of Law Enforcement Establishes Gun Tip Line

News Release from DLE, Oct 10, 2024

HONOLULU – The Department of Law Enforcement (DLE) has established a Gun Tip Line for people to make anonymous reports of illegal gun ownership and gun crimes.

“The Gun Tip Line offers another way the public can assist law enforcement in protecting our neighborhoods,” said DLE Director Jordan Lowe. “Guns that have been stolen, guns that haven’t been registered and guns in the wrong hands are often used to commit crimes. The consequences can be tragic. So, if you see something, send something to the Gun Tip Line and help us make Hawai‘i safer.”

There are several ways to report a gun tip.

• Call or text the Gun Tip Line at 808-427-4018.
• Submit a tip on the DLE website at law.hawaii.gov.
• Download the Saferwatch app where tipsters can submit photographs and videos with their tips.

All tips are confidential. All tipsters may remain anonymous.

People reporting tips are encouraged to leave detailed information including the names of those in possession of illegal guns or committing gun crimes, a location where those people may be found and a description of the guns. Tipsters may leave their name and phone number if they would like to be contacted.

In emergency situations that require immediate assistance, people are still advised to call 9-1-1.

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Hawaii Launches First-Ever Gun Tip Line Powered by SaferWatch

Enhancing Public Safety in Hawaii: Empowering Communities to Anonymously Report Gun-Related Incidents through the SaferWatch App

News Release from SaferWatch, Wednesday, 16 October 2024 05:25 PM

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL / ACCESSWIRE / October 16, 2024 / In a major step towards enhancing public safety, Hawaii Department of Law Enforcement (DLE) has launched its first-ever anonymous gun tip line, powered by the SaferWatch app. This innovative initiative gives Hawaii residents a secure and confidential way to report illegal gun activity, helping law enforcement respond swiftly to potential threats and prevent gun-related violence.

The gun tip line, a first-of-its-kind for the state, allows citizens to anonymously submit tips about illegal gun possession, suspicious activity, or potential threats involving firearms. By leveraging the powerful and user-friendly SaferWatch platform, the initiative ensures that critical information reaches local authorities in real-time, enabling quicker and more effective responses.

Since its launch, the tip line has already resulted in multiple tips that have led to active investigations, highlighting its potential to make a lasting impact on public safety.

"We are proud to be part of Hawaii's initiative to enhance public safety," said Geno Roefaro, CEO of SaferWatch. "Our platform is designed to give residents a voice, allowing them to report suspicious activity without fear, while providing law enforcement with the tools to take swift and appropriate action. Hawaii's new gun tip line is a great example of how technology can be harnessed to create safer communities."

How the SaferWatch Gun Tip Line Works

Call or text the Gun Tip Line at 808-427-4018.

Submit a tip on the DLE website at law.hawaii.gov.

Download the SaferWatch app to submit photos and videos along with detailed tips.

A Proactive Step for Hawaii's Safety

Hawaii's new gun tip line demonstrates the state's commitment to proactive crime prevention. With gun violence a growing concern nationwide, this initiative aims to empower communities to take an active role in ensuring safety. By using the SaferWatch platform, the state is bridging the gap between law enforcement and the public, encouraging community involvement in reporting illegal firearms and suspicious activity.

"The Gun Tip Line offers another way the public can assist law enforcement in protecting our neighborhoods," said DLE Director Jordan Lowe. "Guns that have been stolen, guns that haven't been registered and guns in the wrong hands are often used to commit crimes. The consequences can be tragic. So, if you see something, send something to the Gun Tip Line and help us make Hawai‘i safer."

About SaferWatch

SaferWatch is a leading safety and security platform designed to provide real-time reporting, communication, and alerts for law enforcement, schools, businesses, and communities. With a focus on safety through innovation, SaferWatch empowers users to report threats, share critical information, and help create safer environments for all.

For more information about Hawaii's gun tip line or to learn how SaferWatch can help your community, visit www.SaferWatchApp.com

COVERAGE:

TAG: Michigan And Hawaii Launch Tip Lines To Encourage Anonymous Snitching On Gun Owners - The Truth About Guns

HTH: State launches Gun Tip Line - Hawaii Tribune-Herald