WPCNR POLICE GAZETTE. December 4, 2006 UPDATED DECEMBER 5, 2006 12:31 P.M. EST: White Plains Police report their first arrest involving possession of an illegal handgun under the new New York State law that went into effect November 1, requiring a mandatory 3-1/2 year sentence for persons caught in possession of an handgun without a license. The arrest occurred the day after Thanksgiving, (10 days ago) at the Winbrook housing complex in the city.
In a related development, the Police Department has issued a statement on the issue of turning in illegal guns, the Deputy Commissioner of Public Safety Daniel Jackson urges, "any illegal or found handguns should be reported to the police. It is important that they not be handled by untrained persons."
Deputy Commissioner of Public Safety Daniel Jackson was asked about how a person in possession of an illegal gun can turn it in, in a statement issued to W PCNRTuesday afternoon, the Police Department notes: We do not have an "amnesty" policy, we do take in guns periodically from citizens that have come across them for various reasons. Most commonly those are found in a house after someone who has legally possessed them has passed away. Obviously we ask a few questions, but the goal is to get guns off the street and we are always willing to work with people to that end.
Asked how does one "go handgun-correct -- if you now have a gun (in violation)...do you call WPPD and say you found it -- how will the police handle this delicate situation...to extract the illegal handgun while not charging the person," the Commissioner issued this statement:
Unfortunately, its a difficult issue and each case is unique. Citizens should call the 422-6111 general business line to make the report. If the gun is, in fact found, our job is to safely secure the weapon and investigate it's origin.
