The Olympia City Council passed a resolution creating and implementing a gun buy-back program, compensating community members who will surrender their firearms to the Olympia Police Department.
Olympia Police Chief Rich Allen was at the city council meeting on Tuesday, December 13, and talked about the program, which provides an incentive to relinquish firearms that they possess voluntarily.
In August, Allen announced the launching of a gun surrender program. Community members can contact the police department and surrender the unwanted firearms.
According to Allen, the surrendered firearms will be searched in law enforcement databases. If the gun is stolen, it will be returned to the owner. Guns that are stolen or otherwise wanted by law enforcement will be destroyed.
After announcing the launch of the gun surrender program, the chief of police said the city council earmarked a $15,000 fund and asked the city staff to develop an incentive program.
Allen added that community members participating in the program would get a prepaid Visa gift card worth $200.
"Like before, you will need to call the front desk and make an appointment with our evidence office. Please don't bring guns into city hall or the police department. When you arrive for your appointment, call the front desk, and an officer will come out and get that from you," explained Allen.
He added that the resolution would authorize the program to give cash incentives to the people who have turned guns over since August 9.
The police chief reported that six firearms were turned over to the OPD since the gun surrender program started.
In approving the resolution, the city council believed that the gun buy-back program could "promote gun safety, reduce gun violence within the community, and reduce the likelihood of accidental firearms injuries and suicides caused by firearms."
3 comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here
C K
only fools would surrender a firearm in this day and age...imo
Wednesday, December 14, 2022 Report this
FordPrefect
Try offering free methamphetamine instead. That might get guns out of the hands of actual criminals.
Thursday, December 15, 2022 Report this
GargoyleOly
Take your Guns to Cabela's and get cash straight up.
Saturday, December 31, 2022 Report this