The San Jose Police department is holding their first gun buyback program since the mid-80’s, when homicide rates were reaching all time records. The event will be held this Saturday, December 14, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church at 2012 East San Antonio Avenue, from 9 am to 1 pm.
Nearby East Palo Alto has held several gun buyback programs. Due to the high demand for gift-cards they have seen a dramatic decrease in gang related shootings and gang violence, associated with a anonymous approach used to buy back possible stolen guns from the community. Sgt. Heather Randol a spokeswoman for the San Jose Police Department said, “No checks on the guns will be done at the site.” Randol said, “The guns will be checked in the next several weeks to see if they have been stolen.” Randol said, “We want to get these guns off the street, and in an effort to start the program we have collected $65,000 so far.”
The buyback will occur at the 2020 East San Antonio Street in San Jose, CA 95116. If you are bringing a gun you are asked to disassemble the gun and place it in the trunk. The police are asking that you remove all bullets and do not bring them to the site. Disposal sites are available by the City as well as County wide disposal programs.
When asked, one San Jose resident said, “Never owned a gun, but I was registered to own a gun when I was 18 or 19. I believe in the right to bear arms, but I only thought I would go hunting or something, but then I changed my mind.” Other residents seemed interested in the program, and even if they did not own a gun, thought that they would refer a friend to the drop off site. But others were not so easily impressed. A man named Gene said, “They can offer whatever they want. They can offer people rehab, mental health services, but they also offer cigarettes, drugs and alcohol. So what is the difference.”
The main idea behind the program is to help get stolen guns off the streets, with no questions asked. The guns will be checked for serial numbers, if they are in working condition and will be returned to the owner if they are able to find them, police officials said.
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San Jose Mercury News: San Jose offering gift cards in Saturday gun buyback event
