BRONX DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE AND NEW YORK CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT FORMS PARTNERSHIP WITH CLERGY IN LAUNCHING GUN BUYBACK PROGRAM TO GET FIREARMS OUT OF CIRCULATION
Bronx District Attorney Robert T. Johnson and Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly were joined by the pastors of six Bronx churches to announce a gun buy-back program in an effort to get illegal hand guns and other weapons off the streets and out of circulation.
Participants will receive a $200 pre-paid cash card for each eligible weapon surrendered, No Questions Asked. The gun buy-back program will take place on one day only - Saturday, April 25, 2009 - between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m at six drop-off locations.
District Attorney Johnson said, “Ending the proliferation of guns on our streets has been a priority since I became District Attorney 20 years ago. Vigorous enforcement efforts and tougher sentences for the illegal possession of guns have been helpful, however an amnesty program such as the Gun Buyback also has a role to play. Guns are instruments of death that are responsible for much pain and suffering, and whatever we can do remove them from circulation should be encouraged.”
Police Commissioner Kelly said, “This is good news, life-saving news for the Bronx. District Attorney Johnson’s support means a doubling of the usual reward and a strong partnership with the Bronx clergy - two essential ingredients in getting guns off the street.”
On Saturday, April 25, 2009, people who own legal or illegal guns will be able to trade them for $200 bank cards. All of the transactions will be completely anonymous. There will be no questions asked and a $200 bank card will be issued for each operable gun that is surrendered. There is no limit on how many guns may be turned in, however participants will only be paid a maximum sum of $600 for three guns. The bank cards can be used either as a debit card to make purchases or to withdraw cash from any ATM.
Handguns, rifles and shotguns will be accepted, however guns belonging to either active or retired law enforcement officials are not eligible for the buy-back program. Functional BB guns and air pistols may be exchanged for a $20 bank card.
Plainclothes NYPD police officers, Bronx DA Detective Investigators, and members of the NYPD Bronx DA Squad will be on hand at the churches to accept the firearms that are surrendered. Participants are encouraged to bring the unloaded weapons in paper or plastic bags, or shoe boxes. If the weapons are being transported by car, they must be placed in the trunk of the car.
Funding for the gun “buy-back” program is being provided jointly by the Bronx District Attorney’s Office and the NYPD.
Firearms may be surrendered at the following locations:
● Immaculate Conception R.C. Church
607 Melrose Avenue
Bronx, New York 10455
(Between 150th Street & 151st Street)
Father Francis Skelly
(718) 292-6970
● Miracle Revival Temple
1555 Macombs Road
Bronx, New York 10452
(Between W. Mount Eden Avenue & Goble Place)
Reverend Jay Gooding
(718) 538-3116
● Immaculate Conception Church
754 East Gun Hill Road
Bronx, New York 10467
(Between Holland Avenue & Capuchin Way)
Father John LoSasso, O.S.M. CAP
(718) 653-2200
● The New Gospel Temple, Church of God in Christ
1554 Minford Place
Bronx, New York 10460
(Off Boston Road at 173rd Street)
Bishop Rodney Canion
(718) 328-3010
● Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church
600 Soundview Avenue
Bronx, New York 10473
(Corner of Randall Avenue & Soundview Avenue)
Father Peter Pomposello
(718) 893-5550
● Community Protestant Church
1659 East Gun Hill Road
Bronx, New York 10469
(Between Gunther Avenue & Tiemann Avenue)
Reverend Calvin Owens, Pastor
(718) 862-9172
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