Trade Your Guns for Groceries, Courtesy of the LAPD

The LAPD has issued the following advisory:

Trade guns for $100 Ralph's Gift Card. Some rifles qualify for a $200 Ralph's Gift Card, no questions asked. Please transport guns UNLOADED in car trunk.

What is the Gun Buyback initiative?

The citywide gun buyback marks the beginning of the City of Los Angeles summer violence reduction strategy. The initiative will reward the voluntary surrender of firearms, while engaging our communities towards a common goal of reducing gun violence. In partnership with the LAPD, community and faith based organizations, the gun buyback effort will secure 6 neutral  locations throughout the city where individuals can surrender their firearms, no questions asked.

Where are the locations?
There are 6 locations within the City of Los Angeles (See attached flyer). The Valley location is the Facey Medical Center Parking Lot, 11165 Sepulveda Blvd., Mission Hills.

What are the times?
The Gun Buyback will take place on Saturday May 12, 2012 from 9:00AM- 3:00 p.m.

What is the amount per gun?
Up to $100.00 gift card for hand guns, shotguns, & rifles. Up to $200.00 gift card for Assault weapons (As classified in the State of California).

Is this a sting? Will Police be taking pictures of participants and writing down license plate numbers?
No. The Gun Buyback is not a sting. It is an anonymous process in which individuals can surrender their weapons, no questions asked. Law enforcement officials will not be taking pictures of participants, nor will they be logging license plate numbers or running ballistic tests on the guns that are turned in.

Will you conduct ballistic testing on the weapons?
No. Ballistic testing will not be conducted on firearms that are surrendered during the Gun Buyback.

Will there be a press release issued?
Yes. Please visit Los Angeles Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa’s homepage for updated press release information. http://mayor.lacity.org/index.htm

Is there a limit to how many firearms I can turn in?
No. However, we reserve the right to limit the number of gift cards an individual can receive regardless of the amount of firearms the individual has surrendered.

What happens if I decide to turn in a gun at the buyback, then I decide I want to keep it?
Once a firearm is surrendered at the Gun Buyback it becomes property of the Los Angeles Police Department. At which time the firearm will not be returned. City of Los Angeles

What happens if you run out of gift cards?

The quantities of gift cards are limited and are subject to availability.

Will you check for lost or stolen status of the weapons? If so, will you return to owner?

Yes. All weapons will be checked for lost and/or stolen status. Every effort will be made to return lost and/or stolen firearms to their rightful owners.

What will happen to the weapons once they are collected?
All weapons will be checked for lost or stolen status, and if applicable will be returned to their rightful owners. All other firearms will be prepared for destruction by the Los Angeles Police Department.

Can I turn in the gun for someone else?

Yes. The Gun Buyback is completely anonymous and no questions will be asked.

Where can I get information on gang Intervention and prevention Services?

You may contact the City of Los Angeles Mayor’s Office of Gang Reduction & Youth Development for more information on gang intervention and gang prevention programs throughout the City of Los Angeles. The number is 213-473-7796 or via email at lagryd@lacity.org .

Who can I contact if I have a gun that I want to turn in after the event?

In the event you are not able to attend the Gun Buyback event you may contact the Los Angeles Police Department at 1-877-LAPD 247. However, the Gun Buy Back Program is the only way to receive a gift card for the firearm.

How is this event being paid for?

The event is being paid for by private and community donors.

Can residents from outside the city turn in their weapons?

Yes. Although the event is specifically geared for residents of the City of Los Angeles, residency will not be asked upon surrendering of firearms.

For full details, view this message on the web.