City of Los Angeles Gun Buyback December 26, 2012 NR12590an

Los Angeles:   On December 26, 2012, the Los Angeles Police Department in partnership with the Mayor’s Gang Reduction & Youth Development (GRYD) program will host a Citywide Gun Buyback initiative to make our Communities safer.

The citywide Gun Buyback initiative is a program that began in 2009, an initiative where the City rewards citizens for their voluntary surrender of firearms.  The initiative was developed as just another strategy to remove guns from our communities and reduce violence in our streets.  Since the inception of the program in 2009 nearly 8,000 guns have been surrendered by citizens.  Interesting to note is the fact that during the past four years, violent crimes have gone down by more than 33%, that equates to nearly 9,000 fewer victims.  In looking at gang violence since the Gun Buyback program began, we have experienced a 39% reduction in gang crimes (2600 fewer) as well as a 33% reduction in the number of “Shots Fired” incidents and most importantly 241 fewer victims have been shot (-23%) since the surrender of the nearly 8,000 guns.  When compared to the numbers of guns that have been taken off the streets during the same time period it certainly can be suggested that the program is having a positive impact on the safety of our communities.

One of the great features of the program is the fact the citizens are not asked for any identification and can surrender the guns through a completely anonymous process.  The buyback locations are set up in a drive-thru configuration, the process is simple, safe and completely anonymous.  Citizens are asked to bring their unloaded weapons secured in the trunk of their vehicles when they respond to one of the Gun Buyback locations.  When they arrive at the Gun Buyback location they will be greeted by personnel who will provide them with instructions on how the guns will be removed from their vehicles.  Police Officers will take possession of the surrendered guns and the citizen will be offered a gift card for their surrendered firearm and then they drive away.  There is no paperwork, no photographs and no logging of anyone who surrenders a weapon.  The goal of the program is to remove unwanted guns from our community before that fall into the hands of those who may do harm.

In an effort to make this years’ end the safest it can be, the Gun Buyback will take place on Wednesday, December 26th, at two Los Angeles locations.  In the San Fernando Valley guns may be surrendered in Van Nuys at the Van Nuys Masonic Temple, 14750 Sherman Way, CA 91405, and in South Los Angeles at the Los Angeles Sports Arena – Parking Lot #6. (Martin Luther King Jr Blvd and Figueroa Street) 3939 South Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90037.  

Attached to this release is a fact sheet on the Gun Buyback initiative along with the flyer for additional information.  Anyone with additional questions may contact the Mayor’s Office Gang Reduction and Youth Development program office at 213-473-7796 or via email at lagryd@lacity.org, or by contacting LAPD Media Relations Section at 213-486-5910.

Office of Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa
Gang Reduction & Youth Development (GRYD)
2012 City of Los Angeles Gun Buyback Initiative
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Gun Buyback initiative?
The citywide gun buyback initiative will reward the voluntary surrender of firearms, while engaging our communities towards a common goal of reducing gun violence. In partnership with the LAPD, community and faith based organizations, the gun buyback effort will secure 2 neutral locations throughout the city where individuals can surrender their firearms-no questions asked.
Where are the locations?
There are 2 locations within the City of Los Angeles (See attached flyer).
What is the date and time of the event?
The Gun Buyback will take place on Wednesday December 26, 2012 from 9:00AM- 4:00 P.M.
What is the amount per firearm?
Up to $100.00 gift card for hand guns, shotguns, & rifles.
Up to $200.00 gift card for Assault weapons (As classified in the State of California).
Is this a sting? Will Police be taking pictures of participants and writing down license plate numbers?
No. The Gun Buyback is not a sting. It is an anonymous process in which individuals can surrender their weapons, no questions asked. Law enforcement officials will not be taking pictures of participants, nor will they be logging license plate numbers or running ballistic tests on the guns that are turned in.
Will you conduct ballistic testing on the weapons?
No. Ballistic testing will not be conducted on firearms that are surrendered during the Gun Buyback.
Will there be a press release issued?
Yes. Please visit Los Angeles Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa’s homepage for updated press release information. http://mayor.lacity.org/index.htm
Is there a limit to how many firearms I can turn in?
No. However, we reserve the right to limit the number of gift cards an individual can receive regardless of the amount of firearms the individual has surrendered.
What happens if I decide to turn in a gun at the buyback, then I decide I want to keep it?
Once a firearm is surrendered at the Gun Buyback it becomes property of the Los Angeles Police Department. At which time the firearm will not be returned. Office of Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa Gang Reduction & Youth Development (GRYD) 2012 City of Los Angeles Gun Buyback Initiative Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happens if you run out of gift cards?
The quantities of gift cards are limited and are subject to availability.
Will you check for lost or stolen status of the weapons? If so, will you return to owner?
Yes. All weapons will be checked for lost and/or stolen status. Every effort will be made to return lost and/or stolen firearms to their rightful owners.
What will happen to the weapons once they are collected?
All weapons will be checked for lost or stolen status, and if applicable will be returned to their rightful owners. All other firearms will be prepared for destruction by the Los Angeles Police Department.
Can I turn in the gun for someone else?
Yes. The Gun Buyback is completely anonymous and no questions will be asked.
Where can I get information on gang Intervention and prevention Services?
I live in the City of Los Angeles?
You may contact the City of Los Angeles Mayor’s Office of Gang Reduction & Youth Development for more information on gang intervention and gang prevention programs throughout the City of Los Angeles. The number is 213-473-7796 or via email at lagryd@lacity.org
Who can I contact if I have a gun that I want to turn in after the event?
In the event you are not able to attend the Gun Buyback event you may contact the Los Angeles Police Department at 1-877-LAPD 247. However, the Gun Buy Back Program is the only way to receive a gift card for the firearm.
How is this event being paid for?
The event is being paid for by private and community donors.
Can residents from outside the city turn in their weapons?
Yes. Although the event is specifically geared for residents of the