Firing celebratory gunshots on New Year's Eve (or any day) is a felony in Arizona
BrieAnna J. Frank
Officials are warning the public against using gunfire to ring in the new year, reminding Arizonans of "Shannon's Law" that prohibits firing guns into the air.
The death of 14-year-old Shannon Smith in Phoenix in June 1999 from a stray bullet prompted lawmakers to pass ARS 13-3107, better known as "Shannon's Law," which makes it a felony offense to negligently fire a weapon within a municipality.
Since then, law enforcement agencies have regularly gone door-to-door to educate the public about Shannon's Law ahead of holidays where celebratory gunfire is common, with New Year's Eve among them.
The Glendale Police Department has reminded the public that it uses ShotSpotter, a system that helps officials pinpoint the exact location where a gun has been fired, 24 hours a day and 365 days a year.
"Having a safe and enjoyable holiday is our primary concern for the public, which is why we send officers to check each ShotSpotter activation that indicates a firearm was used," a statement from the department reads.
Those who violate "Shannon's Law" are guilty of a class 6 felony, which in Arizona has a presumptive term of one year and an aggravated term of two years in prison.
Phoenix police in 2013 attributed a 65% drop in shots-fired calls from the 2002-03 New Year's celebrations to "Shannon's Law."
Reach the reporter at bfrank@arizonarepublic.com or 602-444-8529. Follow her on Twitter @brieannafrank
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