Capital District SCOPE

From The Record 6/21/21.

Rensselaer County District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly announced recently the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) has renewed its commitment to the GIVE (Gun Involved Violence Elimination Initiative) grant in Rensselaer County.

This marks the eighth year the Troy Police, the District Attorney’s Office and Rensselaer County Probation have collaborated on the GIVE grant.

The GIVE grant funds an Assistant District Attorney dedicated to prosecuting GIVE related crimes in Troy, as well as a Confidential Investigator assigned to GIVE detail with the Probation department.

The District Attorney’s office currently has 145 open GIVE cases, including 116 felonies. The District Attorney’s office has prosecuted over 250 GIVE cases since 2016.

“These individuals, the Assistant District Attorney and the Special Investigator assist with crime scene search warrants, subpoenas, and court orders, as well as prosecution of the GIVE cases,” Donnelly stated.

“These are vital to the end result which is to prosecute those with guns in our community. Donnelly explained.

“The news of the award is timely, considering June is Gun Violence Awareness Month. In the City of Troy, there is a significant need to continue to investigate and prosecute the violent offenders who put our citizens at risk,” Donnelly added.

An Associated Press investigation into firearms missing from the U.S. armed services has linked a stolen Army service pistol to four shootings in Albany.

The Army couldn’t say how its 9mm Beretta got to New York’s capital, where authorities tied it to shootings in 2017 and 2018.

Until police recovered the Beretta M9 in June 2018, following a foot chase, the Army didn’t even realize someone had stolen the gun. Inventory records checked by investigators said the M9 was 600 miles away — safe inside Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

“One gun creates a ton of devastation,” Albany County District Attorney Soares said. “And then it puts it on local officials, local law enforcement, to have to work extra hard to try to remove those guns from the community.”

The pistol was among at least 1,900 U.S. military firearms that AP learned were unaccounted for during the last decade. Intended for war, some guns ended up on America’s streets.

Military officials say missing firearms are a tiny fraction of their stockpile, and note that some are recovered.

From the Associated Press June 15, 2021

Three cheers for not having the local and state prosecutors drop the gun charges on CRIMINALS and bumping the charges up to federal court. Also acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon seems happy to pursue it.

From News10.com: Six people have been indicted on federal weapons charges. Investigators say the suspects were possessing firearms even though they are felons. The U.S. Attorney’s Office says this is in an effort to curb gun violence. “These cases, and many others under investigation, reflect our ongoing efforts to take as many illegal guns off the streets as possible and to prosecute those who illegally possess and use these guns. With our law enforcement partners, we are directing greater resources to prosecuting gun crimes as part of an all-hands approach to address rising violence in many of our cities. Families and neighborhoods should not have to suffer another summer of increased shootings and tragedy. We will continue working to make safer communities for all by holding offenders accountable and by engaging in community-based efforts for violence reduction,” said Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon.

More here: https://www.news10.com/news/6-indicted-on-federal-firearms-charges/

Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan, Schenectady Mayor Gary McCarthy, Troy Mayor Patrick Madden, and Glens Falls Mayor Dan Hall (and others), sent a joint letter Tuesday calling for the the state legislature to pass gun control bills introduced by Assemblymember Patricia Fahy and Senator Zellnor Myrie.

One of the bills attempts to circumvent federal law and attempts to remove immunity from frivolous lawsuits against the gun manufacturers as part of the federal Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act.

If you live in Albany, Schenectady, Troy or Glens Falls, it is time to call your Mayor and ask them the fix their poor policies that promote crime and violence against their citizens. Ask them to pressure their district attorney not to drop any gun charges against a criminal when a gun is used in a crime and forward those charges to federal court where the sentences are higher.

COLONIE, NY – Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers prevented a Fulton County, New York, man from carrying two loaded guns and extra ammunition onto his flight at Albany International Airport yesterday, May 11.

TSA officers spotted the two loaded handguns in the man’s backpack as it entered the checkpoint X-ray unit. The police were alerted and interviewed the man, a resident of Johnston, New York.

read more here: https://www.tsa.gov/news/press/releases/2021/05/12/tsa-prevents-man-carrying-two-loaded-guns-and-extra-ammunition-his

The lead free ammo ban bill, A5728, is on the Assembly’s cal. 321 schedule for its third reading. After a bill is read for the third time, it will be voted on the Assembly floor.

Please contact ALL NYS Assemblymembers to let them know your stance.

Find your Assembly member: https://www.nyassembly.gov/mem/search/

Rensselaer County is considering a local law that would allow 12- and 13-year-olds the ability to hunt with adult supervision. The law has been encouraged for adoption in upstate counties by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation.

The recently adopted New York State Budget includes legislation that allows youths aged 12 and 13 to hunt deer with a firearm or crossbow under the supervision of an experienced adult hunter. This special provision is available to upstate counties that must opt-in by local law in order to participate. Several local rod and gun clubs, and hunting enthusiasts, have reached out to Legislators urging Rensselaer County to opt in to the state’s new pilot program.

This Local Law will authorize Rensselaer County to permit 12 and 13 year old individuals to participate in the new and safe hunting opportunities in accordance with Environmental Conservation Law § 11-0935. The enacted 2021-2022 New York State Budget, include a pilot program, allowing the opportunity for young hunters, ages 12 and 13, to hunt deer with firearms and crossbow through 2023 if a county authorizes such action within their municipality. “Rensselaer County is passing this local law because hunting is a valued tradition for many families, and this new opportunity allows experienced, adult hunters to introduce the value of hunting to the next generation”, said Majority Leader Ken Herrington- Brunswick. Adoption of this Local Law allows Rensselaer County to participate in the temporary program to allow for young hunters to hunt deer with a firearm, to include rifles, shotguns, and muzzle loaded firearms or crossbow through 2023. The adults must directly supervise the minor and remain at ground level at all times. Both must wear at least 250 square inches of fluorescent pink or orange clothing and a similar hat.

Until this year, New York State was the only state in the country to not allow 12 and 13 year olds to hunt with a firearm.
“Teaching young people safe, responsible, and ethical hunting practices will ensure a rewarding experience for the youth, while providing quality food to families and contributing to important deer management population control practices’, said Legislator Bruce Patire- Hoosick Falls. The president of the Pioneer Fish and Game Club in Hoosick Falls had reached out to Legislator Patire and asked for him to support for the law. The president of the club, Donald McCabe added his support for the Local Law, “Expanding youth hunting opportunities to assist with deer management and cultivating a new generation of hunters is a top priority for DEC. Junior hunters are one of our safest age groups. This age group is more likely to pay attention and be receptive to education and more inclined to follow instruction.” “I am in full support of this measure to allow our 12 and 23 year olds to hunt. They will finally have the opportunity to hunt thanks to our state and Rensselaer County leaders”, said P.J. Hyde, Rensselaer County Fish and Wildlife Management Board for NYS Region 4.

Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin also added his support for the Local Law:
“Rensselaer County has abundant natural resources and generations of county residents have enjoyed hiking, swimming, camping and hunting. Expanding the law to allow for 12- and 13-year-olds to take part in the tradition of hunting with family and friends and under adult supervision is a good move. Many other states allow this, and New York State has also encouraged expansion of the law,” said County Executive Steve McLaughlin.
There is no deadline for counties to opt in, but the law must be adopted by June 1 to be included in the NYS DEC Hunting and Trapping Guide this fall, or by September 1 to be included on the DEC website for the fall hunting season.
The Local Law will be considered at the May 11th meeting of the Legislature.

Were you aware the DEC was looking to prohibit the discharge of firearms at Wildlife Management Areas unless at an approved target shooting location? And looking to prohibit all breakable targets at approved shooting locations? I’m not sure if there even is an approved shooting location. They are seeking comments by May 24th. The regulatory proposal is available on the DEC website for review and public comment until May 24, 2021. Comments on the proposal should be submitted via e-mail to wildlife@dec.ny.gov or via mail to Bureau of Wildlife, NYSDEC, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4754. Please use subject line “Part 51 Regulations” for emails or letters. See excerpt in BOLD below.

“Prohibit the discharge of firearms other than for hunting or trapping, except when using paper targets at areas clearly posted as open to target shooting and with suitable backstops. In addition, the proposed regulations prohibit breakable targets, such as clay pigeons, and paintballs and paintball guns. These measures are important to protect public safety and prevent litter and the destruction of natural resources;“

Contact the DEC? I think so. See the release below:

DEC Releases Proposed Updates for Regulations Governing Use of State Wildlife Management Areas
Public Encouraged to Comment on Draft Proposals that Cover Wide Range of Activities on WMAs; Comments Accepted through May 24, 2021

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today released a draft proposal for public comment that would update regulations governing public use of the State’s vast network of Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs). DEC is proposing these amendments to protect natural resources, promote public safety, and help ensure the multiple uses of New York’s WMAs remain compatible with natural resource protection and visitor interest. The proposed changes would help bring consistency with existing rules for state forests, campgrounds, and other DEC lands, and codify rules and guidance already in place at many WMAs to make these rules enforceable. DEC is accepting public comments on the draft proposal until May 24.

“Ensuring our public lands are clean, safe, and enjoyable is a top priority for DEC and I applaud our staff for developing this proposal to keep regulations for the State’s Wildlife Management Areas up to date,” Commissioner Seggos said. “The proposed regulations will ensure our WMAs are protected and continue to provide quality hunting, trapping, fishing, and wildlife observation opportunities for years to come, and I encourage New Yorkers to review and comment on this comprehensive proposal.”

New York State has more than 120 WMAs containing nearly 250,000 acres, including 124,000 acres of forests and grasslands and 53,000 acres of wetlands. DEC’s Bureau of Wildlife manages an additional 38,000 acres of land, including Unique Areas and Multiple Use Areas, for a total of approximately 150 areas that thousands of New Yorkers visit and enjoy each year.

In the draft regulations currently out for public comment, DEC is proposing to update and clarify existing regulations defining the allowable activities and uses of WMAs. The proposals continue to prioritize activities that include hunting, fishing, trapping, and wildlife viewing. Among other proposed updates, the draft regulations would:

Prevent the introduction of aquatic invasive species by prohibiting their transport to WMA waters while boating;
Only allow non-motorized boats or boats with electric motors, except when posted open or permitted by DEC. Boats would also be prohibited from being moored, stored, or anchored overnight;
Ensure certain Unique Areas and Multiple Use Areas managed by DEC's Division of Fish and Wildlife have the same protections as WMAs;
Prohibit the discharge of firearms other than for hunting or trapping, except when using paper targets at areas clearly posted as open to target shooting and with suitable backstops. In addition, the proposed regulations prohibit breakable targets, such as clay pigeons, and paintballs and paintball guns. These measures are important to protect public safety and prevent litter and the destruction of natural resources;
Clarify and make enforceable restrictions on motor vehicles and motorized equipment prohibited in WMAs. Snowmobiles would be allowed on designated routes covered by a minimum of three inches of snow or ice and only between the close of the regular big game hunting season until March 31. This measure would help prevent the degradation of trails and habitat, particularly during mud season. The regulations also prohibit motorized vehicles or bicycles on posted roads and motorized vehicles of any kind off-road, unless with DEC authorization;
Prohibit the construction, use, or abandonment of any structure on a WMA except with a DEC permit. This excludes legally placed traps, tree stands, and hunting blinds during big game, migratory gamebird, or turkey seasons with specified hunter identification, and wildlife viewing blinds placed for 10 days maximum in one location per calendar year with specified hunter identification. Construction of stands or blinds cannot be nailed to, screwed in, or otherwise injure trees;
Prohibit gatherings of more than 20 people without a permit;
Require owners or trainers to keep dogs on leash and under immediate control except: when dogs are being legally used for hunting or training for hunting on lands designated as dog-training areas during designated training seasons set by regulation; when participating in a licensed field trial and authorized by a DEC permit; or as otherwise permitted in writing by DEC;
Prevent underage drinking by explicitly prohibiting anyone under 21 years of age from possessing alcoholic beverages unless accompanied by a parent or guardian;
Include additional restrictions that prevent the destruction or removal of state property, littering, wildfire risk, risks to public safety, as well as allow other activities with a DEC permit or other authorization; and
Remove sections of existing regulations that are redundant or obsolete.

The regulatory proposal is available on the DEC website for review and public comment until May 24, 2021. Comments on the proposal should be submitted via e-mail to wildlife@dec.ny.gov or via mail to Bureau of Wildlife, NYSDEC, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4754. Please use subject line “Part 51 Regulations” for emails or letters.

Visitors to New York State’s WMAs should always be aware of the rules governing a particular area. Each WMA has a webpage that lists allowable activities and available facilities. Please refer to the webpage or kiosk of each WMA for specific restrictions. For most areas, statewide hunting and fishing regulations as well as statewide WMA regulations will apply. Go to DEC’s website describing the Public Use of Wildlife Management Areas (PDF) for a list of existing allowable and restricted activities.

https://www.dec.ny.gov/press/122604.html

Levi’s jeans used to be an icon of America, signifying freedom and the American culture to the world. When I was younger I heard stories about people in Soviet block countries buying used Levi’s off of American visitors. American visitors would put lots of Levi’s into their luggage and when visiting the Soviet Union, they would get $100 a pair selling to the Soviet citizens when Levi’s were selling for $30 a pair in the USA. No more.

Levi’s is just another brand of jeans struggling to keep market share. I read that Levi’s jeans are all manufactured outside the USA, except for a very small amount that are part of a few high end lines.

Now New Yorker’s Against Gun Violence (NYAGV) is bragging that Levi Strauss just gave significant funding to their Youth Over Guns Anger to Advocacy Activist Incubator program, which indoctrinates youth to be anti-gun. On May 7th, Youth Over Guns are hosting a remote town hall for youth interested in how gun violence intersects with issues like systemic racism, policing and public health partially supported by Levi’s. Think about that next time you put your pants on.

LS&Co. Continues Its Safer Tomorrow Fund

Selmer Bringsjord, an expert in artificial intelligence and reasoning and a professor of cognitive science at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute says “Guns that are at once intelligent and ethically correct can put an end to the mass-shooting carnage.”

Bringsjord and his collaborators have created simulations showing how, in only 2.3 seconds, ethical AI technology can perceive a human’s intent and environment and then, if necessary, prevent their gun from firing. Importantly, he notes, the same technology that could prevent a criminal from opening fire in a public area could also prevent a police officer from shooting a person who posed no threat.

“Ultimately research along this line should enable humans, in particular some human police, to simply be replaced by machines that, as a matter of ironclad logic, cannot do wrong,” Bringsjord said in a recent public radio segment.

The AI capabilities discussed by Bringsjord are the product of prior work over seven years of funding from the Office of Naval Research devoted to developing moral competence in robots.

The article can be found here: Could Smarter Guns Be the Key To Stopping Mass Shootings and Other Violence?