Another Pointless Gun Buyback Program
by Matt at Jun 23rd, 2008
Looks like Rochester is the latest city to waste money on a program that will do nothing to reduce gun related crime.
Rochester police say they collected 133 guns and more than 300 rounds of ammunition over the weekend during a “no questions asked” gun drop-off.
Police spokeswoman Officer Deidre Taccone says each person who turned in one or more shotguns or long rifles received $50 Wegmans grocery-store gift cards, while those who turned in handguns, assault rifles or fully automatic weapons received $100 gift cards.
Police say they collected 159 guns during a similar drop-off program last month.
The gun buyback program in Boston, MA didn’t work, I don’t understand why cities continue to hold similar programs when they do nothing to decrease gun related crimes.
Interesting post. I work for a company that manages and tracks gift cards, and I blogged today about gift cards for guns on savvywallet.com. I have mixed feelings. I think offering gift cards for guns is better than offering cash. And, taking hand guns and high powered rifles off the streets does make a difference. However, it does not mean the streets will be safer. They can be correlated, but I don’t believe they are chicken and egg. Education is key. Police departments and organizations who are ‘chasing’ the guns need to supplement the buy back with other means of positive influence.