Residents who want to make a report about an illegal firearm can now do so anonymously by calling 518-655-7860, a new illegal gun tip line created through the Albany County Sheriff’s Office.

Albany County Legislature Chairman Andrew Joyce,  Deputy Chairwoman Wanda Willingham, Legislators Dustin Reidy and Carolyn McLaughlin, Minority Leader Frank Mauriello and Sheriff Craig Apple gathered outside the Albany Capital Center on Thursday to discuss the newest initiative through the Detailed Instruction Supporting Community Violence Education and Reduction (DISCOVER) program. The announcement was marked by the appearance of a CDTA bus, promoting the tip line, which could also result in a $500 cash reward if the call results in the seizure of a gun.

“Ending the epidemic of gun violence requires all of us to work together, including all of our residents, communities and at every level of government,” said Legislator Dustin Reidy, who sponsored DISCOVER. “By providing a substantial reward for tips that lead to the seizure of illegal guns, the DISCOVER program is incentivizing participation from many of the individuals most affected.  If you know of illegally possessed firearms, call the tip line now – you can do so anonymously, be compensated and help make your community safer.  I want to thank CDTA for helping promote this initiative and being a part of this collaboration between the Sheriff’s department and the County Legislature.’

“The Sheriff’s Office is committed to working with the Legislature, as well as our law enforcement and civic partners, in our ongoing efforts to remove illegal firearms from the streets. This includes not only enforcement efforts and community support, but also outreach initiatives such as this gun tip line which enables the public to take a direct role in making their neighborhood safer,” said Sheriff Craig Apple.

To receive the cash award, individuals must call the tip line with information regarding a gun they suspect to be illegal. The caller will be given an anonymous identification number and told to call back with that ID in two weeks. Police will investigate the tip, get a search warrant if necessary and seize the weapon. If the weapon has been confirmed to be illegal, the individual will be told how to pick up their award.

“Public safety requires a comprehensive approach, and the DISCOVER program is just one piece of the Albany County Legislature’s efforts to keep residents safe,” said Chairman Andrew Joyce. “I’m proud that our investment to fund the rewards given when a tip leads to the successful seizure of an illegal weapon can lead to a reduction in gun violence and can ultimately save lives.”

“If we learned anything from the DISCOVER program’s first gun buyback event, it’s that illegal guns are out there in Albany County,” said Majority Leader Dennis Feeney. “The launch of the program’s anonymous illegal firearm tip line will provide law enforcement and County residents with another useful tool to help keep illegal guns out of the community. Legislator Reidy’s work on this issue and partnership with the Sheriff are another example of the meaningful results being enacted by our Democratic Majority. As Majority Leader, I am proud to support these programs and give our communities what they need to combat illegal guns and gun violence, and encourage the public to take advantage of these programs.”

The tip line is the second initiative to come out of the DISCOVER program, which was unanimously adopted by the Albany County Legislature in November 2022 and focuses on firearm education and training for gun owners with the hope of reducing the number of illegal guns in local communities. In January, the County held its first gun buyback event, which resulted in 117 firearms turned in, including 63 handguns and 54 long guns, some of which were deemed illegal.

Besides gun buybacks and the tip line, the DISCOVER program is expected to offer pistol training courses for County residents run by the Sheriff’s Office; and free gun locking mechanisms and instructions regarding best practices in keeping and storing guns at various events throughout the County.