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Ohio Gov. Mike Dewine urged Ohio lawmakers late last week to pass legislation for gun reform involving police funding for body cameras and harsher punishment for repeat offenders. Dayton locals have mixed reviews about whether or not the details and specifics of this policy will actually be effective.
Incidents of gun violence in Ohio prompting discussion on gun reform
According to the Gun Violence Archive of Ohio, gun crimes have consistently increased.
Here are the number of deaths in gun-related homicides over the last three years:
2019– 628
2020– 842
2021– 247 (through 05/01/21 so far)
These statistics indicate a gradual increase of gun violence in Ohio.
On June 2 there was a shooting in Springfield which resulted in six people being severely injured. This event prompted Dewine to propose new policies on gun reform to avoid a “summer of violence in our cities”.
These policies will involve police funding and increased background checks and requirements for purchasing a weapon.
Local rapper Jevin Lamar lost his cousin during the Oregon District shooting. This loss impacted him deeply prompting him to use his music to advocate for an end to gun violence.
“I do think gun reform would be beneficial. I also think that an i.q. evaluation should be done before letting just anybody buy guns. I lost friends and family due to gun violence and it’s impacted me in the worst way,” Lamar said.
Will more police funding crack down on gun violence, as Dewine insists?
Dewine has focused his gun reform on the funding of police body cameras and working to allow harsher punishments for gun-related crimes.
“No matter where you are or how many rules/regulations there are, a criminal will always not follow the rules and find a way to get the so-called weapons. Body cameras are a good thing and help in holding police accountable,” said The Ohio Art Institute of Cincinnati alumni Charity Cupp.
However, some feel that these policies will be ineffective.
“I think Dewine doesn’t know shit about what communities that are heavily affected by gun violence need. Instead of funding social welfare programs and mental health programs, he is just throwing more money on police they don’t need/deserve. Also, body cams won’t stop the violence because police don’t get held accountable. Funding and supporting our own communities will help,” said WSU Alumni Kathleen Dang.
Sinclair Community College student Peter Khuu has a similar interpretation to Dang.
“Police funding might help prevent these shootings, but it will not put a stop to them. I believe that mental health programs need more funding and support in order to ensure that people with violent tendencies are unable to access these weapons. Most of these crimes involved guns that were legally purchased, even though the perpetrator showed a history of violence,” said Khuu.
There are currently no definitive laws being passed in regard to gun control in Ohio. Dewine is still working to gain support for his proposals.
