LIVERMORE — Livermore has develop into the newest East Bay metropolis to approve a “no questions requested” gun buyback, the place individuals shall be provided $100 present playing cards in trade for surrendered weapons.
The pilot program was approved by Livermore Metropolis Council final week following a presentation by Police Chief Jeramy Younger and Police Capt. Jason Boberg.
“A number of different businesses within the Bay Space have completed these packages and been very profitable,” Younger mentioned. Such packages embrace a latest assortment of greater than 550 firearms by Marin County regulation enforcement businesses and the delivering of greater than 400 firearms in Santa Clara County in Could.
In August, Pittsburg Metropolis Council accredited a $100,000 expenditure for its third buyback eent.
“We expect that is essential,” Younger mentioned at Tuesday’s assembly. “If somebody doesn’t wish to be a accountable firearm proprietor, we’d like them to carry the firearm to us in order that we will be sure that it’s not given to the incorrect palms.”
The Livermore Police Division will associate with faith-based organizations and nonprofit teams for the occasion, to be held in late October, and may have a goal finances of $10,000.
The police proposed that the buyback be a “no questions requested” occasion, the place there shall be no requirement for individuals to indicate identification or show residency.
Metropolis personnel will acquire, safely retailer and get rid of any surrendered weapons, which might embrace each operable and inoperable firearms, in addition to ammunition and magazines.
Funds shall be made within the type of grocery retailer present playing cards and can vary from $100 to $200, relying on weapon capability. A restrict of three funds per participant shall be enforced, Boberg mentioned, in order that police don’t “have one individual displaying up with a big cache of weapons and buying and selling it in for the majority majority of accessible present playing cards.”
The initiative was welcomed by these current on the assembly. “If somebody is in want of money and has a gun, giving them a authorized option to promote shortly simply makes good sense,” mentioned resident Alan Marling.
“An marketed buyback program will make our properties, public areas and colleges safer,” he added.
Council members are looking forward to a big turnout on the occasion, which can determine if this system shall be prolonged. “I actually admire this being a option to do one thing that I believe the neighborhood as a complete can agree on, regardless of the emotions on weapons,” mentioned Councilmember Trish Munro.
“If in case you have a gun you don’t wish to use anymore, allow us to aid you do away with it.”