City, County, and Court officials announced a new court to try gun crimes. The new Gun Crimes Part intends to create a more efficient and consistent approach.
New York State Supreme Court Justice Thomas Moran will oversee the court. He will have jurisdiction over cases where the highest count is second or third degree criminal possession of a weapon.
City Council President Loretta Scott applauded the mayor for her work on the project.
"If we can map out justice in a way that is effective and sure and swift, that will help us on our road to peace, which is so desperately need in our communities," Scott said.
Seventh Judicial District Administrative Judge Craig Doran says gun cases have been handled well, but there is always room for improvement.
"It’s an admission and an acknowledgement that we can do it better and we have an obligation to do it better," says Doran. "We have an obligation to collaborate when we are approached by our community partners."
The court is expected to handle between 200 and 300 cases each year.