The Glendale Police Department is warning residents ahead of the July Fourth holiday about the dangers of firing guns as a way to celebrate.

The department uses the ShotSpotter solution to help identify, locate and deter gun violence, while also helping the agency gather gunfire intelligence and data to proactively fight crime and violence. ShotSpotter provides real-time gunshot location data, enabling informed decisions for faster and more accurate emergency response, while improving situational intelligence and increasing first responder safety.

Celebratory gunfire is a common problem in many cities, particularly over the Fourth of July holiday weekend, the department reports.

It often has tragic results when innocent people are hit by stray bullets and are injured or killed. The reality is that any bullet discharged from a gun, even into the sky, must land somewhere, and when it does, the risk of injury or death is significant.

The Glendale Police Department is committed to zero tolerance towards illegal gun use combined with combating gun violence in our community by creating an environment of enhanced safety and security.

During the upcoming holiday period, the police department will be deploying patrol officers in specific areas of the city that have the highest amount of illegal celebratory gunfire and fireworks activity as recorded by ShotSpotter on New Year’s Eve and July Fourth last year.

Additionally, officers will communicate with residents in those areas prior to the holiday weekend to reinforce the city policies around celebratory gunfire. During the holiday period, officers will respond to all ShotSpotter activations throughout the city, and particularly in hotspot areas, and will arrest anyone caught discharging a firearm in public.