David R. Roefaro, Mayor

City of Utica, New York

05/11/09 - Roefaro gives (micro) stamp of approval

Roefaro Supports Microstamping, Mayor and Utica Police Department sign on as proponents of bill 

 

May 11, 2009- (Utica, NY) – Utica Mayor David Roefaro is announcing his support for microstamping today. The technology would mean new models of all semiautomatic firearms in the state possess the capability of microstamping ammunition. The technology uses a laser to make an engraving on the internal mechanism of a gun. The process imprints the engraving onto the casing of the cartridge when the gun is fired.

 

“It works like a fingerprint,” Utica Mayor David Roefaro said. Every cartridge will have an identity. So, a crime gun taken from a scene, dumped or hidden away will leave its identity at the crime.”

 

Utica Public Safety Commissioner and acting Police Chief Dan LaBella who also supports this technology said, “I endorse this technology because at every illegal shooting, the Utica Police Department will have the capability to know where that gun came from, even if we never find it,”

 

New York’s Microstamping bill was passed last week in the state Assembly, sponsored by Michelle Schimel (D-Great Neck). She stressed that, “At present, murderers are firing anonymous ammunition.” Roefaro agreed, “New York must lead the way in fighting gun crimes. We have to lead by example, be the change we seek,” he said.

 

Over 70 police and sheriff departments around the state have endorsed the technology, and the cost to the manufacturer would be minimal, roughly a few dollars per gun. 

 

The Mayor also pointed out that California will be putting microstamping into law in 2010.