New York Gun offender registry proposed

[ericire12]

http://news10now.com/content/all_news/138393/gun-offender-registry-proposed/Default.aspx

Utica is taking its fight against illegal guns right to those who use them. Mayor David Roefaro has proposed a Gun Offender Registry Act which would track people convicted of using illegal guns. As our Iris St. Meran tells us, this type of law would be a first in the city.

UTICA, N.Y. -- Last year, one illegal gun was taken off Utica's streets each week. But Mayor David Roefaro wants to take it one step further with the Gun Offender Registry Act.

"Illegal guns are the cancer of this very country, born out of the criminals' disregard for others and for humanity itself. It's time for Utica, New York to put back the humanity to the gun offenders by having the brave men and women of our Utica Police Department track them, monitor them and hopefully drive them out of our city," said Roefaro.

The city's first gun control law would be called Lindsey's Law for Utica Police Officer Thomas Lindsey who was shot and killed with an illegal gun during a traffic stop two years ago. The law, similar to the sex offender registry, would require any person convicted of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree to register their addresses with police and report personally to Utica Police every six months. Registration requirements would continue for four years after offenders are released.

"It makes sure police know where that person is. It makes sure that the offender knows they're being watched. And if somebody fails to register or if somebody gives false information, that in itself becomes a basis for a violation and an arrest," said criminal justice coordinator for New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, John Feinblatt.

There is one loophole. If a registered offender leaves the city, they are no longer subject to this law, but Mayor Roefaro is okay with that.

"So to the criminals, I ask you to please use the loopholes and get out of Utica," said Roefaro.

Should this be put in the books, Utica would join Baltimore and New York City as the only places in the country to have a gun offender registry.

Utica's Common Council has to approve this act before it can become law.

[tombogan03884]

Seems good from what is posted. Control criminals not the tools they use.

[SCfromNY]

WOW!  Tackle the problem by attacking the offenders not the tool used. Great Idea!

I am sure this steps on someone's rights, just not victims rights of course.

[Fatman]

Sounds suspiciously like parole with a different name.