The V.I. Police Department will pursue prosecution of people who celebrated the New Year by firing guns into the air and Police Commissioner Rodney F. Querrard called on residents to report any information they have on that offense.
In a message delivered Thursday, the commissioner said the department is working with the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms to remove illegal firearms from the territory.
In his end of the year message, Querrard had promised that police would clamp down on the tradition of firing handguns to welcome the new year. In his statement, Querrard reiterated the point.
"For many years, people have been taking part in this illegal activity," he said. "Licensed firearms and illegal firearms are being used. This is not specific to the Virgin Islands. Last year Los Angeles county reported, ‘Despite local law enforcement warnings against celebratory New Year’s Eve gunfire that can lead to injury and death, 93 incidents of discharging firearms were reported from Dec. 31 at 8 p.m. to Jan. 1 at 4 a.m.’"
Querrard also pointed to a report from Dallas that police in that city received 1,564 calls for illegal discharge of firearms and fireworks in that district on New Year’s in 2009 and that, a year ago in Puerto Rico, three people were wounded by randomly fired, celebratory gunshots, but the island was able to report no such injuries this New Year’s.
Querrard said the police were monitoring their "Shot Spotter" system, which can track the direction and distance of shots.
"I have submitted a request for a complete report from Shots Spotters," the commissioner said. "Upon receipt of the report, we will analyze the information and determine how the information could be used for investigatory purposes.” He said that, based on the information we receive, investigations will be initiated.
“I want to stress to you, that Shot Spotters is a tool for law enforcement. The information we receive is used to initiate and further investigations."
Querrard also said the department is working with ATF and other federal agencies to address illegal firearms entering this territory.
"This includes taking some of these cases to the U.S. Attorney’s Office to be prosecuted federally," the commissioner said. "The input from those of you who constantly have to hear the firearms being discharged in your communities and neighborhoods is a vital part of our goal to eradicate, as much as possible, this ongoing serious problem.”
“I am asking you to pass on what you know about those who are possession of illegal firearms and those who are constantly terrorizing you and your families with the illegal discharge of firearms in your communities."
Anyone with information can call "any law enforcement officer you may know," or the anonymous tip service Crime Stoppers VI at 1-800-222-8477, he said.
"Every firearm taken off of our streets is one less firearm we as a community have to face," the commissioner said.
