Assemblyman Bill Reilich (R,C,I-Greece) expressed his concerns today about a leaked memo that was sent from the Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) for a new, taxpayer-funded gun tip hotline program, targeted at Upstate New York. The memo, which was sent by DCJS, received by the State Association of Chiefs of Police on March 19, and then distributed to relevant parties, offers a $500 reward for those who turn in individuals who may possess illegal weapons, and it also promotes an aggressive ad campaign in Upstate New York. Reilich questioned the timing of this new program.
“The news regarding this taxpayer-funded, $500 reward-for-spying operation on fellow New Yorkers is disturbing,” said Reilich. “One has to question why this initiative is geared specifically towards Upstate New York when it's a fact that 70 percent of gun violence occurs in New York City. While a program to get illegal guns off the street would be positive, even welcome in areas like the City of Rochester, I am concerned that the recently-enacted gun law is going to turn law-abiding citizens into criminals, and this bounty program is only going to further exacerbate the problem. Once again, the governor is putting the cart before the horse and not taking the time or necessary steps to promote effective public policy.”
According to DCJS, this tip hotline has existed for over a year and was a program for New York City and two Upstate counties, in order to combat gang violence and illegal firearms. The memo says anonymous “tipsters” can call into the New York State Police and inform them about individuals who may possess illegal firearms.
Reilich noted that this is in fact a new program because of the ad campaign stipulation that expands the program to all of Upstate New York, not just Albany and Schenectady counties. He also noted that this could cost taxpayers millions of dollars.
“This has now become a rural issue, not just a metropolitan issue,” said Reilich. “The NY SAFE Act has brought into question the subject of protection in the home and the rights of law-abiding citizens. My concern is since there have been no amendments to the NY SAFE Act, many of the weapons and magazines classified under this measure would be considered illegal if they are not registered. Now that rural Upstate comes into the equation, the game and policy have changed. I have many concerned constituents who would like clear answers on this program, so I look forward to hearing that explanation in the near future. Until then, I remain cautious.”