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Bronx District Attorney Robert T. Johnson, Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly and Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. are sponsoring a Gun Buy-Back Program on June 4 in partnership with pastors of three Bronx churches.
The program, which aims to reduce the number of illegal handguns and other firearms on the streets, will reward participants who surrender eligible weapons with a $200 pre-paid cash card, no questions asked. Those turning in rifles and shotguns will receive $20 bank cards. Participants can receive a maximum sum of $600. Firearms that belong to active or retired law enforcement officials are not eligible for buy-back.
“The Bronx has come a long way, and Bronxites can no longer tolerate gun violence in our neighborhoods,” Diaz said. “I urge all of our residents to join us in the fight to bring peace to our streets.”
Police Commissioner Kelly says that “programs like the gun buy-back have real quantifiable results. Since this program started in 2008, it has been responsible for taking over 6,000 guns off the street of the five boroughs.”
However, some question the success of these programs. Here’s a story about the gun buy-back program held March 2009 on a weekend when there were 13 shootings.
Firearms may be turned in at any of the three drop-off locations (listed below) between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Grace Temple
2401 Marion Avenue
Bronx Pentecostal
1755 Watson Avenue
Our Lady of Grace
3985 Bronxwood Avenue