State legislators and Governor Kathy Hochul reached an agreement last year to broaden the statute in New York allowing for the seizure of firearms from anyone regarded to be a danger to themselves or others.
Since then, the number of requests for emergency risk protection orders has skyrocketed, overwhelming State Police investigations.
The Red Flag Law was expanded last year, broadening the pool of people who could alert authorities to possible cases where firearms would be taken. The procedure takes a lot of time, and State Police detectives are required to present in court.
More funds for an additional State Police class as well as money for technological advancements were included in the $229 billion budget that was passed in May. But in recent years, attrition has generally reduced the size of the ranks of law enforcement.
The Policy Is Effective Claims Assemblywoman Pat Fahy
Following a shooting with racist overtones in Buffalo last year, lawmakers changed the legislation. Assemblywoman Pat Fahy, a Democrat from the state, claimed that the rise in risk protection cases is evidence that the policy is effective.
Additionally, she continued, local police agencies have a responsibility to cooperate with federal, state, and local law enforcement.
Monitoring The Streets Is A Challenge
The State Police Investigators Association and Stec both express concern that the paperwork may divert law enforcement's attention from other crimes.
Since they lack greater resources, they are unable to monitor the streets, apprehend criminals, or imprison those who harm us, according to Stec.
They're confiscating firearms and advancing the paperwork.
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