BOSTON -- Gun violence has escalated in some Boston neighborhoods -- taking lives and scarring the rest. The tragic death of an 8-year-old accidentally shot by his young cousin resulted in his mother and brother being arraigned this week on involuntary manslaughter charges.

The weapon used was an illegal gun. In a well-intentioned effort to get guns off the streets, Boston police, without a warrant, hope to knock on doors and ask to search a home for illegal weapons. Based on tips, these searches would target juveniles younger than 17. Once invited in, police would search only the child's room only for guns and no other contraband.

The police department has been surprised by the community uproar against their plan. They shouldn't be.

While eliminating illegal guns is a praiseworthy goal, abusing civil rights is not. Think about it. If you refuse to let the police in, suspicions will rise and possibly lead to further investigation. If you let them in, you put yourself and your family at risk for unexpected consequences.

Search warrants require evidence and court approval -- this new plan seems to create an end-run around our judicial system.

The police have scaled back their broad plan and, with the residents’ approval, have focused their sights on Egelston Square in Jamaica Plain.

We still think they should scrap the plan completely.

Major cities have proposed other measures such as closing gaps in federal policy, etching ID information inside guns or creating a registry of offenders with weapons violations.

Mayor Thomas Menino and his counterparts around the country are sharing plans to fight illegal weapons. Let's hope they discover appropriate ways to maintain both our rights and our safety.