NY law enforcement agencies prepare to enforce Red Flag gun law

New York law enforcement officials are bracing for a new law going into effect this weekend that will allow officers to remove guns from people who are suspected of unusual behavior.

News 12 Staff

Aug 23, 2019, 9:49 PM

Updated 1,700 days ago

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New York law enforcement officials are bracing for a new law going into effect this weekend that will allow officers to remove guns from people who are suspected of unusual behavior.
Ossining Police Chief Kevin Sylvester says the Red Flag Law is a way for officers to take legal action when they spot so-called "red flags" in a person's behavior. This includes someone making verbal threats, posting threats on social media or changing behaviors.
Educators can also report their concerns and seek an emergency protection order based on students' actions.
Opponents of the Red Flag Law say the measure violates their Second Amendment rights.
The state enacted the law as a way to prevent potential future violence by preventing these people from purchasing or possessing any kind of firearm.
“We see these events all over the country…every day occurrences where social media posts are getting a lot of attention and students acting out have caused chaos,” says Sylvester.
Sylvester says his department has its own red flags about the measure, including putting officers' lives at risk.
“Anytime we're putting somebody in harm’s way to remove firearms, it's concerning for us,” he says.
The chief says he and his partner agencies, like the school district, are prepared to see how the law plays out.
The Red Flag Law takes effect Saturday. New York will be one of 14 states with the measure.
 


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