MCSO program takes guns from felons

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - The Mobile County Sheriff's Office has had a program aimed at illegal guns since 2010 and FOX10 got to see the arsenal it has acquired by tips from average citizens.

Mobile Police say Operation IMPACT, their program with a similar goal, has already yielded results and removed more than two dozen illegal guns from the street.

That program kicked off last month, but the MCSO's program has been around for nearly two years now.

Wednesday, Mobile County Sheriff's deputies rolled in carts loaded with confiscated weapons of all shapes and sizes in evidence boxes.

PHOTOS: The results of "THUG Text"

"It runs the gamut. We have long arms, short arms, handguns, pistols, semi automatic, assault weapons all types," said Mobile County Sheriff Sam Cochran.

Cochran said the firearms were rounded up as part of THUG Text, which stands for Targeting Hoodlums Using Handguns and the ICE program, which stands for Isolating the Criminal Element.

Both are programs aimed at getting illegal guns off the street and Sheriff Cochran said they're working.

So far this year, the Sheriff said there have been 62 tips on illegal firearms, 34 cases developed and 17 convictions.

Cochran said this is proof THUG Text and ICE make a difference in curbing crime.

"We've made a difference because some of the individuals associated with these guns are sitting in federal penitentiary and some in state penitentiary. So, in that respect we've made a difference," said Cochran.

RELATED: Police: Operation IMPACT working

Cochran said reporting an illegal gun is easy and reporters can remain anonymous.

Just text "THUG" to 839863 and follow the directions on how to report a felon with a gun, safely, quietly and confidentially.

Cochran said there is also cold hard cash waiting for you if your tip leads to an arrest.

"We offer $500 rewards to people for information that leads to an arrest of a gun violator, which could be a convicted felon with a gun, a gang member or drug trafficker," said Cochran.