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Davenport aldermen have drawn their own weapon to address months of gun violence across the city.

Aldermen unanimously signed a letter Wednesday calling for changes to state law that would require cash-only bonds for defendants charged with firearm-related offenses. The letter was addressed to the Iowa Judicial Council, though legislative action is required to change law.

Alderman Mike Matson, 7th Ward, who read the letter aloud at the City Council's committee-of-the-whole meeting, referred to a recent standoff between Davenport police and an armed suspect in which the suspect bonded out of jail in less time than the standoff lasted.

"We believe that the imposition of a cash-only bond ... would be an effective tool in disrupting the cycle of gun-related crimes," the letter read by Matson, who is the council's public safety chairman, stated.

Additionally, the letter stated, aldermen propose an initial cash-only bond amount of at least $10,000 if the criminal violation charged is a violent felony involving the use of a firearm.

Alderman Ray Ambrose, 4th Ward, frustrated at getting no where with state lawmakers, said he wants the state's judicial arm to recommend the changes.