Albany’s police union are calling for the repeal of New York’s SAFE Act, labeling the gun control legislation “substantively, procedurally and morally” wrong. The New York State Troopers Police Benevolent Association (PBA) goes further. The statement (after the jump) shows that it’s steeling itself for the backlash that will follow enforcement of New York’s SAFE Act. “Backlash” being a code word for bloodshed; the Staties are looking at armed resistance to their employers’ unconstitutional gun laws. The PBA knows the SAFE Act threatens to undermine their credibility—and thus authority—for decades if not generations to come. Bottom line: the storm clouds are gathering in the Empire State . . .
“The NY SAFE Act has been a controversial and emotional topic since its passage in January of 2013.
The NYS Troopers PBA, representing more than 6,000 active and retired members, has reserved public comment as we worked within the legislative process of NYS government with the hope of affecting changes to the law. Our membership holds widely shared concerns of this new law. Additionally, we believe that actual enforcement of these new regulations will significantly increase the hazards of an already dangerous job . . .
Polls have shown that increased firearm regulations are not popular in the more rural and upstate regions of our state, which is where the majority of our members live and patrol. Additionally, some in mainstream media have already irresponsibly increased the anti-police rhetoric, which fosters additional resentment of law enforcement. Even some of our elected officials, like Senator Ranzenhofer and Assemblyman Gabryszak, are calling for a probe of our members and their efforts to meet the standards of this new law.
It is the responsibility of this union to defend the reputation and safety of our members. Potential legislative changes as well as pending court decisions may further alter the terms of the SAFE Act. The individual members of this union did not write the terms of the bill nor vote on its passage. We urge the citizens of New York State to remember that Troopers are simply tasked with the lawful mandate to enforce the laws of the State, regardless of their personal opinion of such laws.”