Mobile Police Plan Gun Buy-Back Day

Aug 2nd, 2007

As a way to reduce gun violence, the Mobile Police Department is holding its first ever gun buy-back day this month. Citizens can turn in unwanted firearms to the department with no questions asked in return for a $100 gift certificate to Wal-Mart.

“Operation Safe Gun” is set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, August 11 at the former Dairy Queen parking lot at Spring Hill and Hemley Avenues.

“In light of all the recent accidental shootings involving young people, I feel a sense of urgency about getting guns off the streets,” said police Chief Phillip Garrett. “If we save one innocent victim from the deadly consequences of firearm violence it will be worth our efforts.”

In just the last two months, Mobile police have taken into custody 222 firearms, many of them held illegally or used in the commission of a crime.

Citizens can bring in any type of unloaded firearm during the day for a $100 gift certificate. The firearms will be rendered safe by officers at the scene. Ultimately, they will be disassembled and destroyed.

District 1 City Councilman Fred Richardson and Wal-Mart have provided funding for the buy-back program.