WHEREAS, There is a video game called 25 to Life, in which players choose between playing as a law enforcement officer, or a drug dealer and where players succeed by shooting fellow gang members and law enforcement officers; and
WHEREAS, The implicit message of the game is that players are justified in the random, remorseless slaughter of police officers and civilians alike; and
WHRERAS, The video game glorifies indiscriminate violence, murder and lawlessness; and
WHEREAS, The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), a nonprofit organization representing the nations 15 largest law enforcement organizations is mounting a vigorous campaign to discourage parents and caregivers from purchasing or allowing children to access the 25 to Life video game; and
WHEREAS, According to NLEOMF, in the past 10 years, 70 officers have been killed by people under the age of 18; and
WHEREAS, A total of 153 law enforcement officers died in the line of duty in 2005, including more than 50 by gunfire; and
WHEREAS, In light of the recent regrettable trend in homicides in the City; and
WHEREAS, The intent is not to infringe on free speech but rather to focus attention on efforts to protect families and children who face the threat of violence daily; now therefore
RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Encourages all Philadelphian's, to discourage parents and caregivers from purchasing or allowing children to access the 25 to Life video game.
End