Miami-Dade Cops Trade Training And Computers For Guns

MIAMI, FL — Miami-Dade cops will be trading training and computers for guns on Saturday — no questions asked. Unlike similar programs that give away gift cards for every handgun or assault rifle taken off the streets, the new program also looks to provide potentially life-changing training to community members who may not ottherwise have access to it.

"You can give a man a fish and he’s going to feed his family tonight, or you can teach him to fish and he’s going to feed his family the rest of his life," Detective Lee Cowart of the Miami-Dade Police Department told Patch.

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The laptops that are being given away on Saturday were purchaed with Law Enforcement Trust Funds. Officials partnered with Digit All Systems to bring the "Computers for Guns" exchange program to Miami-Dade County.

This community event is focused on reducing gun violence and providing positive life alternatives through career opportunities and technology training provided by Digit All Systems.

"A year from now a kid can look you in the face and say 'I was gangbanging,'" Cowart added. "'I’m now making $21.50 an hour repairing cell phones or repairing cable in businesses.'"

The event is scheduled to take place from 10 a.m to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 4 at Goulds Park, 11350 SW 216 Street in Miami.

Image courtesy Miami-Dade Police Department