Ring in the New Year with Fanfare, not Gunfire

Published on December 30, 2024

Date: December 30, 2024                                                 TIME: 12:30 p.m.

PIO #24-12-9                                                                     WPBPD Case #N/A

RING IN THE NEW YEAR WITH FANFARE, NOT GUNFIRE

WEST PALM BEACH POLICE USE SHOTSPOTTER™ TO ZERO IN ON ILLEGAL ACTIVITY

While New Year’s is cause for celebration, it should be done so without celebratory gunfire, a dangerous practice that can injure and even kill. Additionally, thousands of people – mostly children and teens - are injured in the U.S. while using consumer fireworks.

While it may be culturally accepted in other countries, shooting guns into the air to celebrate is not only dangerous but illegal in Florida. Falling bullets can injure and kill. In fact, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conducted research that attributes 80 percent of injuries from celebratory gunfire to the head, shoulders, and feet of those hit. A bullet fired up in the air can still cause significant damage and injuries that can be deadly. Property damage can also be caused by celebratory gunfire, most commonly when rounds become lodged in roofs, cars or anything on the ground.

The West Palm Beach Police Department utilizes ShotSpotter™, a detection system that identifies gunshots throughout the city. ShotSpotter™ alerts patrol officers and the Strategic Intelligence Center (STIC) of precise locations of gunfire activity, initiating an immediate response.  According to SoundThinking™, the risk of being killed when struck by celebratory gunfire is greater than a typical shooting, because of the increased likelihood of a penetrating skull injury. For more facts and myths about celebratory gunfire, visit https://www.soundthinking.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/MYTHS_about_Celebratory_Gunfire_2023.pdf

Though certain fireworks are legal in Florida on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, fireworks are not child’s play. Even sparklers, that may look harmless, can reach temperatures up to 1,200 degrees, which can cause disfiguring burns and serious injuries. Consider giving children glow sticks and noisemakers instead of sparklers. The safest way to celebrate the New Year is to leave it to the pros and take in one of the many spectacular public fireworks shows.

Report suspicious activity and send pictures and video (#SeeSomethingSendSomething) directly to the West Palm Beach police 911 Communications Center and STIC through the free SaferWatch™ app, at www.SaferwatchApp.com. It is also available through Google Play for Android, and the Apple Store for iPhones. Always call 911 for life-threatening, or in-progress crimes.   

 This release by:

Mike Jachles/PIO

  12/30/24 1230