City of Grand Rapids issued the following announcement on Oct. 28.
Following the success of its inaugural gun buyback event, the Grand Rapids Police Department (GRPD) will host its second gun buyback event on Saturday, Nov. 7. The GRPD kicked off its gun buyback program last Saturday, garnering 107 weapons – 35 long-guns and 72 handguns.
The second event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Genesis Non-Profit Housing Corporation, 851 Leonard St. NW. Individuals are encouraged to dispose of their firearms in exchange for a pre-paid gift card with no questions asked. Those wishing to dispose of their firearms are asked to transport unloaded weapons in the trunk of a vehicle. Personnel will not ask questions or collect any personal information. Quantities of gift cards are limited and subject to availability.
The buyback program is part of the GRPD’s ongoing efforts to reduce violent crime in the city. The GRPD has received support from other City departments and a financial contribution from the Safe Alliances for Everyone (SAFE) Task Force.
Police Chief Eric Payne said the gun buyback program is another crime prevention measure and part of its philosophy in reshaping and reimagining policing in Grand Rapids – now outlined in its new strategic plan.
“This program will help us get guns off the street and provide community members who no longer want to have legal firearms in their home a place to safely dispose of them,” he said. “Removing these weapons will make the community safer by limiting access to firearms by those emboldened to use them in criminal acts.”
Payne thanked the Boston Square and West Grand Neighborhood Associations for hosting the sites. He also expressed his appreciation to the SAFE Task Force for financially supporting these efforts.
“This gun buyback program is another example of how the people of Grand Rapids come together in partnership to address violence in the community,” he said.
Original source can be found here.
Source: City of Grand Rapids
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