|
|
|
CRIME PREVENTION |
|
|
|
NEW TOUGHER GUN LAW IN EFFECT
As of November 1st, 2006, New York State has elevated the penalty for anyone illegally possessing a loaded firearm.
If you are caught possessing an illegally loaded firearm, you will face a minimum of 3 ˝ and a maximum of fifteen years in state prison. The crime of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, which is the legal statute for possessing an illegal loaded gun, has been elevated from a class “D” Felony to a class “C” Felony. In addition to elevating the penalty for possession of an illegal firearm, those found guilty will face certain prison time, with the possibility of probation no longer an option in the higher felony.
Westchester County District Attorney Janet DiFiore vigorously supports the tougher penalties, “Illegal handguns are a catalyst for violence and death. The lives of far too many people for far too long have been damaged by gun violence. In elevating the penalty for carrying an illegal loaded handgun to a minimum of three and a half years, the message couldn’t be plainer: this behavior will not be tolerated and if you chose to disregard the law, you will be held strictly accountable.”
The Westchester County District Attorney's Office has developed an outreach campaign targeting at risk groups and communities to alert them of the new law and its penalties.
Called “Easy Choice or Hard Time”, it consists of a poster and palm cards in English and a poster and palm cards in Spanish, being distributed at various locations throughout Westchester County including schools, community centers and churches. Additionally, inmates that are released on probation or parole from the Westchester County Jail and the Valley Cottage Juvenile home will be alerted to the new law.
SAFE HAVEN
That is the message of an awareness program that both the Westchester County District Attorney's Office and the Westchester County Executive are actively promoting. With wallet cards, palm cards and a Public Service Announcement video, the District Attorney and County Executive want to alert the public of the Abandoned Infant Protection Act, which allows parents, guardians, or other legally responsible persons who are unable to care for their newborn infants to anonymously and safely leave their infant in the care of a responsible person at a hospital, police station, fire station or a responsible person at another safe location.
INFANT SAFETY
The Westchester County District Attorney, County Executive and County Department of Consumer Protection have launched a public outreach campaign to alert parents and caregivers of the dangers of baby walkers. For years pediatricians and child safety experts have been warning parents not to use them, yet they remain extremely popular (with an estimated annual sales of more than 3 million). As a result, deaths and injuries continue to occur. An informative brochure, flyer and research compiled by the Department of Consumer Protection outlines the hazards of walkers and offers some alternatives.
NEW YORK STATE 'SANE' PROGRAM SEXUAL ASSAULT NURSE EXAMINER
LISTEN
TO THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY The SANE program here in Westchester County has made a difference in the level of care provided to sexual assault victims. SANEs offer victims sophisticated care and comprehensive forensic evidence collection. Along with preserving the victim's dignity and the reduction of psychological trauma, SANE programs enhance evidence collection which leads to better prosecutions. Listen to a Public Service Announcement that District Attorney Janet DiFiore has recorded and has been distributed to area radio stations click here or you may call Victims' Assistance Services at (914) 345-3113.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
The Special Prosecutions Division has prepared a brochure addressing the issue of Domestic Violence and where to call for help if you feel that you are a victim. There is a Spanish version too.
CHILD ABUSE
Child Abuse and neglect is a complex and emotional issue. There are many types of abuse and signs given by children when they are victims of abuse. The Special Prosecutions Division has prepared a comprehensive brochure outlining the types of abuse, how to recognize the signs and how to report suspected abuse.
ELDER ABUSE
Seniors comprise the fastest growing segment of Westchester County's population. In the next fifteen years more than one third of the population will be older than 60. With this continuing change in demographics in mind, the Special Prosecutions Division has prepared a brochure outlining the types of abuse and where one can go for help.
HUDSON VALLEY SHAKEN BABY PREVENTION INITIATIVE
The Hudson Valley Shaken Baby Prevention Initiative (HVSBPI), a network of 22 hospitals throughout Westchester and the Lower Hudson Valley and developed and coordinated through the Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital at Westchester Medical Center, teaches new parents about Shaken Baby Syndrome and focuses on prevention before a tragedy occurs. The program, funded by The William B. Hoyt Trust Fund and administered by the New York State Office for Children and Family Services and the Maria Fareri Children's Hospital, provides a preventive, standardized, educational message to parents of the 27,000 babies born each year in the region at the time of delivery. Now in its second year, the program will be enhanced by expanding its educational message to primary care pediatricians. Parents watch a video and sign a commitment statement not to shake their children. Shaken Baby Syndrome is a traumatic brain injury that occurs when a baby is violently shaken. Violent shaking makes the child’s developing brain bounce back and forth inside the skull and may causes bruising, swelling, and bleeding, which can lead to permanent, severe brain damage or death. Shaken baby injuries usually occur in children younger than two years old, but can be sustained by children up to the age of five. The majority of infants who survive severe shaking will have some form of neurological or developmental disability, such as cerebral palsy or mental retardation, which may not be fully apparent until several years after the shaking. Children with shaken baby syndrome may require lifelong medical care. The HVSBPI is spearheaded by Dr. Robin Altman, Chief, Division of General Pediatrics at New York Medical College and forensic pediatrician and Dr. Jennifer Canter, Director of Child Protection for the Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital at Westchester Medical Center and Medical Director of The Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) at the Westchester Institute For Human Development. Download the GUIDE FOR PARENTS in: ENGLISH.pdf or SPANISH.pdfRead about the HVSBPI in The New York Times and The Journal News. Watch "Portrait of Promise: Preventing Shaken Baby Syndrome" an eight minute video about three families whose lives have been changed by Shaken Baby Syndrome. Read about how a team approach between government and medical professionals working together has woven a comprehensive safety net for Westchester's children.
PREVENTING CHILD ABDUCTION
The District Attorney's Office along with the County Executive have produced an informative brochure for parents and caregivers outlining tips on how to prevent a child from being abducted. Six succinct points are highlighted, including some new strategies that both adults and children can use.
INTERNET SAFETY TIPS
Download "Keeping it Safe" an informative brochure produced by the Westchester County District Attorneys Office and the Westchester County Executive that outlines Internet safety tips for parents and children. Download "Internet Safety" a brochure produced by the Westchester County District Attorney's Office offering guidelines for parents and children on the use of the Internet. Download "Internet Safety for Teens" a brochure produced by the Westchester County District Attorney's Office targeted to teens and young adults.
VICTIMS JUSTICE CENTER
If you have been the victim of a crime, download a Victims Justice Center brochure. A Spanish version is also available. The Victims Justice Center provides crime victims with information and assistance regarding their rights, safety and resources available to help them cope with the impact of being a crime victim.
TEENAGE PARTIES
Underage drinking and teen house parties are source of concern for parents. The Westchester County District Attorney's Office has produced a brochure that outlines the do's and don'ts for parents, as well as describing a parent's liability - civilly and criminally - in hosting a teen party where alcohol is present. Additionally, the District Attorney has a message for teens and parents: if you or your child attend a party and someone becomes sick or injured, act responsibly and call 911. Your actions or the actions of your child will be taken into account by the District Attorney's office.
IDENTITY THEFT
Avoid becoming an victim of identity theft. By following a few simple and common sense rules, you can markedly lower your risk factor. Download a brochure, produced by the Westchester County District Attorney's Office, that outlines some tips on what to and not to do.
WATCHFUL EYE
Watchful Eye, a home security program for senior citizens, provides wide-angle peep holes for the front doors of their homes. The purpose is so seniors can challenge visitors without opening their front door, making them less vulnerable to intruders and push-in type robberies. Download a brochure describing the program. If you would like to register for the program call this number between 9am and 5pm - Monday through Friday - (914) 995-3317.
COMMUNITY CRIME PREVENTION
The Training and Education Bureau of the Westchester County District Attorney's Office offers a variety of crime prevention programs. Speakers from the District Attorney's Office can be scheduled to address a variety of issues. For further information, you can download a brochure or call this number between 9am and 5pm - Monday through Friday - (914) 995-3317.
DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED
Holiday parties can quickly turn into disasters if proper precautions are not taken. We all know the dangers of drinking and driving. We all are aware of having a designated driver. Sometimes we forget. Sometimes a graphic reminder is needed.
PROM AND GRADUATION PARTIES
During prom and graduation season, the District Attorney's office, along with the County Executive, has developed a multi-faceted outreach effort to alert, educate and warn teens, their parents and any and all service providers of their responsibilities. Watch a PSA, read a brochure, see what County leaders are doing, but don't be uninformed. |
|
Westchester County District Attorney's Office
Telephone (914) 995-3414
|
