Baltimore Launches Illegal Gun Tip Line

Baltimore officials and Metro Crime Stoppers have launched an anonymous tip line for the recovery of illegal guns in the city.

According to WBAL, Clear Channel is helping to raise awareness about the one-year pilot program, offering up five billboards around the city for a year to promote it. Anonymous tipsters will be paid $500 for the recovery of every illegal, functioning firearm, as well as $500 per felony gun arrest.

The program was announced at a press conference Tuesday by Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, Police Commissioner Anthony W. Batts, and Metro Crime Stoppers officials.

“Far too many guns used in crimes on our streets are illegal guns that have to be taken off our streets. This is a challenge that we must overcome in order for us to see the type of progress that we all want to see,” Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake said.

“What this program is all about it’s to get the illegal, functioning fire arms off the streets of Baltimore City. If we can take the criminal off with it, that’s a bonus as well so we’re going to pay out $500 reward for any illegal functioning fire arm,” said Earl Winterling, with Metro Crime Stoppers.

To report illegal guns, call Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7-LOCKUP, send a text to CRIMES or 274637, or fill out an online form at metrocrimestoppers.org.