NEW HAVEN POLICE LAUNCH GUN BUYBACK PROGRAM (12/7/2006) NEW HAVEN – Police Chief Francisco Ortiz joined Rick Epstein and other New Haven Police Commissioners at a news conference today to launch a gun buyback program aimed at getting dozens of firearms off the streets. The initiative will run Tuesday through Saturday from 2 p.m. – 7 p.m. for the next two weeks. For each gun that a New Haven resident drops off at the front desk of the Police Headquarters at One Union Avenue, he or she will be given their choice of a $100 gift card from Shaw’s Supermarkets, Wal-Mart, or Stop & Shop. Funding for the initiative, estimated at $9,500, is being provided by donations from the following businesses: David Beckerman & Acorn Investments, L.H. Brenner Insurance, Campus Clothing, Ernest Partners, Goodcopy, Gray and Company, Harbor Capital, ICC Capital, Invesco, Sasco and Unger’s Floor Covering. “The New Haven Police Department has removed more than 230 guns from the street during 2006 and this buyback program will only add to our totals,” said Police Chief Ortiz. “This is an opportunity for residents to safely get rid of a gun, no questions asked, and at the same time get some help buying groceries or gifts for the family this holiday season. Of course, the ultimate goal is get guns off our streets and this buyback is just one method by which we’re doing that.” Under the buyback program, extra gift cards are given to residents who turn in an assault weapon or sawed-off shotgun. There is a limit of five gift cards per resident and gun dealers are not eligible. Non-operational guns, antique firearms, rifles, ammunition, and BB guns will be accepted but they’re not redeemable for gift cards. “I want to thank our Police Commissioners for helping to implement this program,” said Ortiz. “Removing illegal guns from the streets is going to take a community effort and this buyback program is just one piece of the puzzle. I hope to announce soon additional measures we’re taking to not only remove guns, but to track them to their source, and go after the providers.” The gun buyback protocol includes the following: • You MUST be a resident of New Haven; • Firearms MUST be delivered unloaded; • Firearms MUST be put in a clear plastic bag and put into another container (gym bag, backpack, etc); • If depositing ammunition in addition to a firearm, ammunition must be delivered in a separate bag; • If transporting the firearm by car, the firearm must be transported in the trunk of the car; • After the firearm is screened by officers and determined to be a working firearm, a gift card will be given; • Non-operational guns, rifles, shotguns, antique firearms, BB guns and holsters will be accepted but do not qualify for a gift card; • The number of guns turned in by one resident can not exceed five (5) firearms per day.