Youngstown police map out summertime crime offensive

By John W. Goodwin Jr.

Firearm buy-back and surrender programs take place Wednesday.

Police are stepping up enforcement over the summer months with saturated patrols in all areas of the city, and programs such as gun buy-backs and safe surrender for fugitives from justice.

Detective Sgt. Kevin Mercer said the saturated patrols will begin at the end of May and continue throughout the summer. He said the five-year Weed and Seed Program along with the anti-gang initiative, in its second year, will be increased.

Mercer said the department, in conjunction with Youngstown City Schools, is also planning a truancy sweep sometime in May. Residents will also see officers in the city making random curfew sweeps beginning in June.

Before the increased patrols and enforcement go into effect, the department will have “Operation Safe Surrender” Wednesday at the police station. Under the program, those wanted on outstanding warrants for failure to appear in court are given added incentive to turn themselves in.

“It’s just an opportunity for people to turn themselves in and not get caught up in any of the sweeps,” Mercer said.

The turn-in program has added benefit for fugitives and members of law enforcement, Mercer said.

Those turning themselves in will not be required to pay the $60 capias fee normally associated with such warrants and they will appear before a judge immediately instead of waiting for arraignment from the county jail. Police, Mercer said, can focus on other crimes rather than chase down those individuals with warrants.

Youngstown Municipal Court has 1,700 capias warrants on file.

Police will also be having a “Firearm Buy-Back Program” from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the police station. Officers will take any gun brought into the department without question, Mercer said.

In exchange for the firearm participants will receive a $50 voucher to be used at Sparkle Markets.

Mercer said the department is focusing on city residents, but will not turn away any firearm brought to the department.