Crouch: $500 Bounty Program Is Troubling

March 21, 2013

Assemblyman Clifford W. Crouch (R-Guilford) 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 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. Crouch questioned the timing and objectives of this new program.

“This $500 bounty program is quite troubling, and I am concerned that this new program being promoted by Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s administration will further cloud the objective of what this program was originally designed for,” said Crouch. “We know that New York City is where 70 percent of gun crime occurs in this state. So, for a program that was designed for New York City to combat gang violence and illegal firearms, I question its motives, especially when its focus is now Upstate, and this comes after there has been significant opposition from Upstate in complying with the NY SAFE Act. I look forward to hearing the governor’s explanation. There are many concerned, law-abiding firearms owners out there who want answers.”

According to DCJS, this tip hotline has existed for over a year and was a program for New York City to combat gang violence and illegal firearms. Crouch argued that since there have been no amendments to the NY SAFE Act, which was pushed hastily through the legislature without a single public hearing or relevant input, many of the weapons classified under this measure would be considered illegal if not registered by certain dates.

“It is a fact that many of the firearms and magazines that are used for standard recreation and home protection would be considered illegal to own in New York State because of this new gun control law,” said Crouch. “There are still many questions that need answering regarding the NY SAFE Act, and new problems are occurring with more frequency than with any other law I’ve seen. Now, we have a snitch incentive program that could turn neighbors against one another? I don’t think that is very good public policy. I can understand the need for a program like this in metropolitan areas and Upstate cities where gun and gang violence is more frequent, that makes sense. But in rural New York? I remain cautious.”

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