Res. No. 1265
Title
Resolution calling upon the New York City Police Department to continue to closely scrutinize the applications of those individuals who already have permission to carry a large number of weapons.
Body
By Council Members Espada, Boyland, Freed, Marshall, Perkins, Rodriguez and Warden; also Council Members Foster, Lasher, Leffler, Linares, Michels, Provenzano and White.
Whereas, Gun violence is a serious concern in all American cities, including New York City; and
Whereas, According to the Fiscal 1999 Mayor's Management Report, there were 2,118 reported shooting victims in Fiscal 1998 and 2,009 reported shooting victims in Fiscal 1999; and
Whereas, According to data compiled by the Department of Health, there were 486 deaths by firearms in 1997, 483 of which were deemed homicides; and
Whereas, Gun violence has exacted a heavy human toll in this City; and
Whereas, Under New York State Law, the Police Commissioner is designated as the handgun licensing officer for New York City, and he must approve applications to carry or possess a handgun; and
Whereas, Pursuant to Section 5-25 of Title 38 of the Rules of the City of New York, the New York City Police Department ("NYPD") has issued regulations regarding the purchase of handguns; and
Whereas, This same section leaves to the discretion of the Licensing Division of the NYPD the number of handguns that may be possessed for a particular license; and
Whereas, Pursuant to the Administrative Code of the City of New York, the Police Commissioner is designated as the licensing authority who approves applications for the possession of rifles and shotguns; and
Whereas, Pursuant to Chapter 3 of Title 38 of the Rules of the City of New York, the Police Commissioner, in his discretion, may issue a license to carry a rifle or shotgun; and
Whereas, In light of recent shooting incidents, in which perpetrators have been found with large numbers of weapons, it is clear that possession of large numbers of weapons, even those duly registered, generally serves no useful function; and
Whereas, It is important to the safety of the citizens of this City that the NYPD carefully scrutinize applications to carry additional weapons; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the New York City Council calls upon the New York City Police Department to continue to closely scrutinize the applications of those individuals who already have permission to carry a large number of weapons.
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