Hip, Hip, Don't Shoot, Hooray

Police are asking the public to refrain from shooting guns into the air while celebrating New Year's Eve.

The Redwood City Police Department has launched "Operation Silent Night 2011," an education and suppression program that aims to reduce random gunfire that has occurred during New Year's Eve celebrations in past years.

The department will be using its ShotSpotter system to pinpoint the locations of potential gunshots, as well as increasing police patrols throughout the city.

A special gunshot hotline has been set up for the public to report any suspected incidents of gunfire at (650) 780-7639.

Officers will be investigating and pursuing any individuals suspected of shooting guns into the air, which police say could result in injury or death.

A conviction for the reckless discharge of a firearm could incur restitution fines and a prison sentence of up to three years, police said.

--Bay City News