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Crime & Safety

Gun Buyback Program Aims for Safer Streets

Firearms can be surrendered anonymously for a $200 reward.

Last year, almost 300 illegal guns were removed from Brooklyn streets, thanks to the City’s gun buyback program, and this year, the NYPD and District Attorney’s office hopes to collect more.

On November 12, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., firearms can be surrendered at Restoration Temple Assembly of God, at 4610 Church Avenue (at E. 46th Street), no questions asked. A $200 bank card will be offered in exchange for operable handguns and a $20 bank card for operable rifles and shotguns.

Guns must be placed in a plastic or paper bag or a box. If transporting the gun by car, the gun must be transported in the trunk of the car. There is no limit to the number of firearms that may be surrendered, but payment will only be given for up to three guns.

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The gun buyback program was launched in Brooklyn in July 2008, which resulted in a collection of 1,532 guns. This past June, at First Baptist Church of Brownsville.

“A fully loaded assault weapon designed to destroy human life was removed from circulation, and thousands of others collected through the cash for guns program no longer have the potential to kill,” said Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly in June.

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New Yorkers may also turn in weapons anonymously at police stations citywide every day of the week and receive $100. In addition, the Department's Operation GunStop program (1-866-GUN-STOP) rewards individuals up to $1,000 for information that leads to the arrest of an individual who is carrying, selling or using guns illegally.

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