From Mayor Bill Finch:
The largest gun buyback program in the City’s history continued on Saturday, January 5 with 97 weapons turned in and $10,925 in cash paid out. This was the fourth session held since the program opened on December 23. The public has turned in 394 weapons, including at least a dozen assault-type weapons for a total of $44,150.
The buyback continues on Sat. January 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Police Department’s Community Services Division, 1395 Sylvan Avenue. It will continue every Saturday in January from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. as needed.
More than $100,000, including $30,000 worth of gift cards from local grocer Food Bazaar, has been raised so far from the City, the Bridgeport Housing Authority, the City Council and numerous private sector donors–both individuals and business owners–to fund the program.
“Thanks to the efforts of our gun buyback program, there are nearly 400 fewer weapons that could end up in the wrong person’s hands,” said Mayor Finch. “We are very encouraged by the participation so far and look forward to hosting gun buyback events throughout the month of January.”
Police Chief Joseph L. Gaudett Jr., pledged to keep the buyback going as long as funds are available, stating, “Every gun that is turned in and destroyed is a gun that can’t end up on the street in the hands of a criminal or in the hands of a young person who could injure himself or someone else.”
Police will offer up to $200 value for a working handgun. People turning in rifles will receive $75. A weapon determined to be an assault-type rifle will be eligible for a higher rate of remuneration.
The department has a “no questions asked” policy that will allow people to turn in weapons anonymously without fear of being prosecuted for illegal gun possession. BB guns and non-working guns will be accepted but will not be eligible to receive payment. Gun dealers are not eligible to participate.
The gun buyback fund is being administered by RYASAP, and Mayor Finch urged members of the community to consider making a tax deductible donation to the fund so the gun buyback can continue. “Our goal is to take hundreds of guns off the street,” he said. Anyone wishing to donate can send a check to RYASAP Gun Buyback Fund, 2470 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport CT 06605.
In addition to the City of Bridgeport, the City Council, and the Bridgeport Housing Authority, the following individuals and businesses have made significant donations to the gun buyback fund including: Public Service Electric and Gas (PSEG); Koskoff, Koskoff & Bieder; Stratton Faxon; People’s Bank; Housing Authority; Joseph Luciano; Pullman and Comley; Board of Education; Bridgeport Hospital; St. Vincent’s Medical Center; Aquarion; Berchem, Moses & Devlin; Bridgeport Regional Business Council; Dominion Energy; Bismarck Construction; Cigna.
People turning in weapons must follow a precise protocol.
1. Firearms MUST be delivered unloaded;
2. Firearms MUST be put in a clear plastic bag and put into another container (gym bag, backpack, etc);
3. If depositing ammunition in addition to a firearm, ammunition must be delivered in separate bag;
4. If transporting the firearm by car, the firearm must be transported in the trunk of the car;
5. After the firearm is screened by officers and determined to be a working firearm, a turn-in value will be determined;
6. Non-operational guns, antiques firearms, BB guns and holsters will be accepted but do not qualify for cash payout.
