July 4th, 2020, was another busy night for the Gilroy Police Department. GPD again deployed 12 additional officers who were dedicated to enforcing fireworks violations. The additional officers were funded by mitigation fees that are added to legal fireworks sales in Gilroy. Most of these officers patrolled in unmarked vehicles. As a result, officers issued numerous citations and confiscated several illegal fireworks.
The “Nail’em” mobile app and our new email reporting option assisted officers in locating violators by allowing them to immediately receive fireworks reports on their mobile devices. This shortened our response times and alleviated some calls that would have normally been handled by our dispatchers.
July 4th Calls for Service:
Officers received 335 calls for service. 110 of those calls were fireworks related.
92 reports of illegal fireworks were made by citizens using the “Nail’em” app.
17 reports of illegal fireworks were reported via email.
July 4th Enforcement:
6 criminal citations were issued for fireworks violations.
75 administrative citations were issued for fireworks violations.
An additional 13 administrative citations were issued in the three days prior.
The Gilroy Police Department asks the public to call the non-emergency line at (408) 846-0350, or email fireworks@cityofgilroy to report ongoing fireworks violations. In emergencies, please use 9-1-1.
