Four Freedoms Coordinator Frustrated by Delays on Gun Safety

On May 29, the Four Freedoms Project donated a print of Norman Rockwell's famous painting "Freedom from Fear" to the Monroe Police Department. As part of the Four Freedoms Project, a monetary donation is used toward the goals of each freedom.

In this case, police agreed to use what is left over from the $7,400 — minus the print and frame — for some type of gun safety measure because of the horrific school shooting in Sandy Hook.

But now Steve Ballok, the Four Freedoms coordinator, is frustrated because nothing has been done since.

"I am concerned in the period of time there is no discussion," he said. "Before you can have a program, you have to have a plan. Before you can have a plan, you have to discuss the matter."

Ballok said he tried to have the matter put on a Police Commission meeting agenda without success.

Chief John Salvatore said, "The police department is not looking to get involved in a controversy. We'll pursue additional firearms safety initiatives when time allows."

He said his department already accepts guns turned in for destruction and distributes free gun locks at headquarters.

Ballok said, "Gun safety is now, not when time is available. Before the next accident with a child, a suicide with an adolescent, you want a program in place, not after the fact, so there’s no reason it should be delayed."

Ballok has emailed the chief asking what fund the money is in, for an audit of the account to ensure it is not being used for something else and for the account number so he can personally monitor it.

Salvatore said the only money spent was on the print and the frame, adding the rest of the funds remain in an account — untouched.

"The fund is not being misused," Salvatore said.

At a past Police Commission meeting the chief had talked about forming a committee to look into what type of firearms safety program would work best for Monroe. Ballok said he wants the committee to be formed and for discussion with public input at a Police Commission meeting to get something going.

While open to a variety of firearms safety measures, Ballok said he likes the idea of a buy-back program for guns people no longer want, which would ensure the firearms do not end up in the wrong hands.