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March 21, 2013

ALBANY, NY - A memo sent to the New York State Association of Police Chiefs is making major news statewide.

The memo, which is seen in full below, calls for transforming a telephone tipline from a big city weapons crime complaint hotline into a number to call if anyone is in alleged violation of the Safe New York gun control laws. "This is just, in my opinion, an overstep by the (Cuomo) administration to try to enact such a program given the context of what's going on right now," said Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R, Corning). The assemblyman, who represents Canisteo, Hartsville, Howard, Avoca, and other towns in Steuben County, maintains that this tipline should not be used while the issue of the Safe New York Act is in the courts.

MEMO ABOUT GUN CONTROL TIP LINE CAN BE READ BELOW:

At a time when all of us are finding ourselves doing more with less,
a reminder about a resource available from New York State that can
assist you in your efforts to solve cases, prevent crime and better
serve and protect your communities.


The state has established a toll-free tip line 1-855-GUNSNYS
(1-855- 486-7697) to encourage residents to report illegal firearm
possession. The tip line also allows for information to be submitted
via text individuals can text GUNTIP and their message to CRIMES
(274637). While the state will provide the administrative support and
fund the rewards, the investigation and validity of the tip will be
up to each local department.


To spread the word about this free resource, New York State is
planning a comprehensive campaign, including public service
announcements that will air on television and radio stations across
Upstate.


The tip line can provide your agencies with another avenue for
receiving intelligence about crimes being committed in your
jurisdictions. This initiative is designed for communities where no
tip lines are in place and is not meant to replace existing gun tip
lines.


Here s how the tip line operates:


The New York State Police staff the tip line 24 hours a day. Upon
receiving a call, troopers will solicit as much information as
possible regarding a firearm tip, while allowing the individual to
remain anonymous. The caller will be informed that this program is
not the traditional gun buyback program but rather is focused on
identifying individuals who are carrying an illegal firearm.


The State Police will in turn contact the appropriate police agency
with the lead to initiate an investigation. Staff from the Division
of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) will follow up with that agency
to determine the validity of the lead. Once the investigation is
completed, the police agency would convey to DCJS the outcome of the
investigation.


If the information leads to an arrest for the illegal possession of a
firearm, the tipster will be awarded $500. DCJS staff will handle
all of the financial transactions.


State Police staff will explain the program in its entirety upon
notifying an agency that a lead has been generated for their
jurisdiction. If you have any questions in the interim, please
contact DCJS Deputy Commissioner Tony Perez in the Office of Public
Safety at 518-485-7610.


Janine Kava
Director of Public Information