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Tampa Police: Don’t Celebrate New Year with Gunfire

Briaan Dugan | Tampa Police | Law Enforcement

The Tampa Police Department has produced a public service announcement warning against celebratory gunfire.

TAMPA – The Tampa Police Department is sending a strong message to those thinking about ringing in the New Year with a gun.

The department released a public service announcement Dec. 26 that uses a fact-based appeal to prevent tragic injuries or death caused by celebratory gunfire.

The goal of the 30-second video is to prompt community members to consider the people within a two-mile radius who matter most to them before firing a bullet in the air. The thought-provoking message ends with Tampa Police Chief Brian Dugan urging residents to report celebratory gunfire to 9-1-1.

“Celebratory gunfire anywhere is unacceptable and against the law. We want everyone to have a safe, enjoyable New Year’s Eve without the fear that their life or someone else’s may be cut short by a falling bullet,” Dugan says.

The department is relying on social media and assistance from media outlets to ensure this crucial PSA reaches a broad demographic throughout the city and beyond in hopes of saving lives.

In addition to the PSA, the department will have an increased police presence throughout the city to further deter instances of celebratory gunfire during peak hours on New Year’s Eve.

To view the PSA, go to Tampagov.net or the department’s Facebook or Twitter account.

Photo of Tampa Police Chief Brian Dugan is screen capture from PSA. Courtesy of the Tampa Police Department.

Tampa Police | New Year | Celebratory Gunfire | Crime | Tampabay News

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