FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PR- 207-10 May 14, 2010 MAYOR BLOOMBERG AND POLICE COMMISSIONER KELLY ANNOUNCE REVISION OF CITY’S LAWS, RULES, AND PROCEDURES FOR GUN LICENSING TO IMPROVE PUBLIC SAFETY AND INVESTIGATIVE EFFECTIVENESS New Local Law Will Forbid Carrying Guns While Intoxicated Package Includes Enhancements to Focus More Resources on Investigation of License Applicants Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly today announced a package of improvements to the way New York City handles gun licenses and other measures to improve the efficiency of investigations in the license application process. The New York City Police Department issues licenses to carry and possess handguns, rifles, and shotguns in the City. The new practices, some of which have been put in place in recent months and some of which will require changes in local laws and police regulations, will streamline the gun permit application process and enable the Police Department to focus more resources on background investigations. The Mayor also announced local legislation that can result in gun license revocation and jail for anyone convicted of carrying guns while intoxicated. “The changes announced today will improve public safety and make the investigation process more effective,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “A rigorous license review should not include unnecessary red tape that slows down our investigators.” “We’ve streamlined our system to make certain the those who should be approved for gun licenses are dealt with expeditiously while making certain we keep guns out of the hands of those who pose a danger to themselves or others,” said Commissioner Kelly. “If automobiles are dangerous with a drunken driver behind the wheel, it should be obvious and subject to tough penalties when a drunk puts a gun in his hand.” “These improvements are part of the City’s ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of gun licensing,” said John Feinblatt, the Mayor’s Criminal Justice Coordinator. “This array of measures will improve public safety, save the City money, and save law-abiding people time.” “When drunk drivers get behind the wheel, that vehicle becomes a deadly weapon,” said Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn. “The same laws should apply to those who carry handguns and are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The Council looks forward to holding public safety hearings on this piece of legislation and the others announced today.” “Guns and alcohol are a toxic mix,” said Public Safety Chair Peter Vallone, Jr. “We can no longer wait for Albany to get its act together. We need to protect our citizens now and that’s why this legislation was introduced.” The proposed package of local legislation, revised regulations, and changes to Police Department practice will include:
MEDIA CONTACT: Stu Loeser / Jason Post (212) 788-2958 Paul Browne (Police Department) (646) 610-6700 |
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