A few weeks ago, I posted about the LAPD gun buyback program that sparked passionate debates about a lot of subjects by a lot of readers. Some of the debates were a little off the point of a gun buyback program but showed how passionate the readers are about their firearms. I publish a crime specific newspaper called Cuffed and Wanted. At the end of the day, I only care about reducing crime to make our streets safer while protecting my rights. One of my rights is to own firearms for pleasure or protection.
There are a lot of valid arguments pro and con for gun buyback programs.
On the pro side:
We are getting unwanted firearms out of houses and off the streets where they are not wanted. "Getting unwanted guns off the street securely is a good thing for the public's safety," said Mayor Bob Foster.
Firearm crime statistics show a decrease since buyback programs started.
Yes the owners could take them to a gun store to sell them on consignment for more money but they might have to wait until the firearm sells. For a lot of firearm owners, the gun buybacks are simply easy. "The Gun Buy Back Program allows members of the community to turn in weapons they no longer want to own,” Police Chief Jim McDonnell said. “Every gun that is taken off the street decreases the chance for it to end up in the wrong hands."
On the con side:
Guns used in crimes are not run through a ballistics check where the data could be used to solve a crime.
Criminals can abuse the system and turn in stolen guns for a gift card.
Gun owners may be selling themselves short by not getting the full value of their firearm.
I believe the pros out way the cons. The goal of the program is to reduce the number of guns in the community. While there are many lawful gun owners, their guns are sometimes stolen and used in the commission of a violent crime. Reducing the number of guns would lessen the chances of this happening.
The City of Long Beach's Gun Buy Back event on Saturday, June 8, from 10 am to 6 pm at the North Police Sub-Station, 4891 Atlantic Ave. Residents who turn in firearms will receive gift cards worth $50 (non-operable firearms); $100 (operable firearms); or $200 (assault weapons).
If you have a firearm you don't want, the gun buyback program might be the program for you.
Gun safety information will be available at the event. Police Department staff will be responsible for traffic control, inventory of weapons, firearms handling and security.
All firearms must be unloaded, and transported in the trunk of a vehicle. Gift card quantities are limited, and subject to availability.
