New York State Police are reminding people with pre-2013 pistol permits that the deadline for getting those recertified is now only two months away (January 31, 2018). The recertification is required under New York's gun law known as the SAFE Act.
Data supplied to 7 Eyewitness News showed, as of September, a low compliance rate for recertification in Erie, Niagara and Chautauqua Counties. Officials worry there could still be a large number of people who need to recertify but have not done so.
Police warn if pistol permit holders fail to meet the recertification deadline, their pistol permits will be revoked putting them in violation of the NY SAFE Act and NYS penal codes regarding Criminal Possession of a Weapon.
Older, long-time pistol permit holders are a concern because it is feared many of them may not realize the law also applies to them even if they now reside out-of-state.
State Police are asking families to remind older relatives with a NYS pistol permit about the recertification requirement. Letters advising about the recertification were mailed out by NYS Police, but Niagara County Clerk Joseph Jastrzemski said he is hearing that some hand gun owners did not receive them.
Recertification is free and requires only basic information that is included on your current pistol permit. It does not require background checks, photographs or finger prints which are standard for an initial pistol permit application.
7 Eyewitness News Reporter Ed Reilly spoke with NYS Police about the issue.
You can find more information about recertification at the following link:https://troopers.ny.gov/FAQs/Firearms/Recertification/
There is so much confusion about the recertification process that the Niagara County Clerk's Office is holding a public meeting on the issue. It takes place 7 p.m. Wednesday November 29th in the Hartland Town Hall, 8942 Ridge Road, Gasport.
