Who:
Los Angeles Police Department Chief of Police William J. Bratton; Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca; Los Angeles District, Steve Cooley; Los Angeles City Council Members; Assistant Chief George Gascon, Chief of Operations; David Janssen, Chief Administrative Officer; Jackie Lacey Director of Central Operations, District Attorneys office; Southern California Chiefs of Police and Sheriffs

What:
Press Conference Regarding Gunfire Suppression During Period of New Year’s Eve

When:
Tuesday, December 30, 2002
10:00 a.m.

Where:
Los Angeles Police Academy Gymnasium
1880 North Academy Drive
Los Angeles

Los Angeles: Each year, as part of the New Year celebration, many individuals ritually discharge their firearms into the air, not realizing the potential consequences of their actions. In an effort to educate and warn the public of the problem, the Los Angeles Police Department, the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, The Los Angeles Unified School District and other School districts from throughout Los Angeles County have embarked upon an awareness campaign. This campaign is designed to help reduce incidents of indiscriminate gunfire that have become a deadly tradition in our City.

Research indicates that a bullet fired into the sky can climb and remain in flight for 30 seconds or longer. As the bullet falls, it can hit a ground level velocity of approximately 140 miles per hour; a velocity which can penetrate the human skull. The Gunfire Reduction Campaign aims to advise the community that celebrating the New Year with gunfire will not be tolerated in the City of Los Angeles. California Penal Code Section 246.3 prohibits negligent discharging of firearms. Any person who violates Section 246.3 will have their firearm confiscated and will be arrested for a felony crime. Shooters can and will be prosecuted for every negligent discharge of a firearm that results in a homicide.

The media is invited to attend this important event. Among the guest will be student winners in the countywide Gunfire Reduction Campaign poster and essay contest.

This media advisory was prepared by Public Information Officer Lucy Diaz, Media Relations Section, at 213-485-3586.