“The reason why the gun manufacturers have chosen not to adopt [smart guns] is because they’re not trying to simply do the right thing. They trade in the currency of blood money. They are merchants of death. And the only way to combat it is with forceful economic power,” Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-Brooklyn) said.
During a push for a smart gun-armed NYPD, the above statement was made. What Controller Scott Stringer and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, the two pushing this initiative, fail to realize is that the gun manufacturers might have chosen not to adopt smart guns because it’s unproven technology that would put many lives in danger when the gun doesn’t go ‘bang’ when it should.
“A stolen smart gun in the hands of a criminal is no more deadly than a paperweight,” Stringer said. “A smart gun in the hands of a child won’t discharge accidentally. And if a smart gun is ever grabbed by a criminal from a police officer during an altercation, it can’t be used to shoot back.”
The smart gun made by Armatix seen above, for example, utilizes a watch that the user wears. This watch communicates with the smart gun via radio signal to make sure only the wearer can fire the gun. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it’s technology that can and will fail.
Heck, my top of the line smartwatch sometimes loses contact with my phone. Even if it’s for a second, that’s not an equation I want when dealing with a firearm. There seems to be far too much risk over reward.
“Reducing gun violence and strengthening NYPD equipment are top priorities for this administration. We are always looking into ways to encourage the use and development of new technology, and will review this proposal,” said [Mayor] de Blasio spokeswoman Monica Klein.
It’s anyone’s guess whether it’ll ever happen, but it sure doesn’t seem to be the smartest move out there.
What are your thoughts? Discuss below.
