New Year’s Eve Gunfire Reduction Campaign Press Conference

WHAT:
Year 2000 Gunfire Reduction Campaign Press Conference

WHO:
Acting Chief David Gascon, Sheriff Lee Baca, Deputy Mayor Rocky Delgadillo, Deputy District Attorney Jackie Lacy, City Councilman Joel Wachs and students from Chatsworth High School.

WHEN:
Friday, December 29, 2000, at 10:00 a.m.

WHERE:
Los Angeles Police Department Academy Gymnasium
1880 North Academy Drive, Los Angeles, California

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 and the Los Angeles Unified School District have embarked upon an awareness campaign.

California Penal Code Section 246.3 prohibits negligent discharging of firearms. Any person who violates 246.3 PC, will have their firearms confiscated and will be arrested for the felony crime. Shooters can and will be arrested and prosecuted for every negligent discharge of a firearm that results in a homicide.

The media is invited to join Acting Chief David Gascon, Sheriff Lee Baca, members of the Los Angeles City Council, and representatives from Mayor Riordan’s office, LAUSD and other agencies, in getting the word out that those bringing in the New Year with gunfire will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Also in attendance will be student winners in the LAUSD Gunfire Reduction Media Campaign. Join these students and their families in receiving certificates of appreciation. In addition, representatives from the Los Angeles Lakers organization will also distribute Lakers tickets to LAUSD students who participated in the education campaign.

Although Public Service Announcements have been distributed to the media, press packets and additional video and audio cassettes will be given to the media at the Press Conference. Refreshments will be served.

For additional information regarding the 2000-2001 Gunfire Reduction Campaign or the Press Conference, please contact Officer Guillermo Campos, Media Relations Section at 213-485-3586.

For Release 2:15 pm PST
December 28, 2000