New Haven police to hold gun buyback Dec. 3

NEW HAVEN - The New Haven Police Department will participate in a gun buyback from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Dec. 3, according to a statement.
The buyback is sponsored by the National Injury Free Coalition for Kids, the statement said.

Read about the gun buyback in 2009 in New Haven.

"The gun buyback program is part of a larger movement for gun safety(and) injury prevention. The goal is to get guns off the street. The New Haven Police Department is committed in playing an active role in this goal," the statement said.


"This year’s event will coincide with a nationwide gun buyback day" on Dec. 3, the statement said.

The event will be held at the New Haven Police Academy, 710 Sherman Parkway.

The department's policy of “no questions asked” will be in effect and that will permit "individuals to anonymously dispose of firearms without fear of charges for illegal possession when turning in the weapon," the statement said.
"Non-operational guns, antiques, BB guns and holsters will be accepted but do not qualify for a gift card."
"Gun dealers and/or people that the police have reason to believe are gun dealers are excluded from this program and can not exchange guns for a gift card. An additional gift card will be exchanged for those firearms identified as assault weapons and/or sawed-off shotguns as an enhanced incentive. Free distribution of gun locks will also be offered at the drop off location," the statement said.

Other rules:
"Amnesty for possession of a firearm without a permit is granted for those citizens turning in a firearm and/or ammunition at the time they walk into the gun buyback facilities and extends only for that period of time. Amnesty is not granted for the time period prior to walking into the gun buyback location or after one leaves the location. If a citizen decides not to turn in their firearm after entering the exchange location because the weapon does not qualify for a gift card, the firearm will be seized by the officers if the citizen does not possess a State permit to carry pistols and revolvers."

The statement further notes: (with emphasis in caps done by the Police Department) "In order to receive amnesty for illegal possession at the time you turn in the weapon, protocol MUST be precisely followed. The protocol includes:

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 $50 gift card will be given;

6. An additional $50 gift card will be exchanged for those firearms identified as assault weapons and/or sad-off shotguns;

7. Non-operational guns, antiques firearms, BB guns and holsters will be accepted but do not qualify for a gift card;

Partners in this year’s event are:Yale New Haven Hospital, Walmart and the National Injury Free Coalition for Kids,  the statement said.

Editor's note: All information in this post was contributed. It is largely unedited here and posted as a public service