Urbandale, Metro Police Departments Collecting Unwanted Guns

An increase in drive-by shootings, armed robberies and other gun violence in Des Moines and the metro area has prompted several suburban police departments to take part in “gun take-back” events during National Police Week.

Police departments in Urbandale, West Des Moines, Clive and Windsor Heights are cooperating in an event from 3 to 7 p.m. at the 3740 86th St.

Urbandale Police Spokesman Randy Peterson said the Des Moines Police Department spearheaded the take-back program and “other agencies jumped on board.”

“We really liked the idea,” he said.

Guns and ammunition may not be turned over anonymously an individuals dropping them off must provide identification.

Accountability is important so police can determine if a gun has been stolen, if it has been used in a crime, or if the guns and ammunition would lead authorities to suspects in crimes, Peterson said.

“The danger with a no-questions-asked policy is that we might have weapons in unsolved crimes coming in,” Peterson said.

He said the take-back event is a good opportunity for individuals who have inherited guns or no longer want them in their homes to dispose of them safely. Oftentimes, such people are reluctant to sell weapons they no longer want at pawn shops because they worry they will be used to commit crimes.

What Happens After Guns Are Collected?

Guns collected in the events will be turned over to the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation Crime Lab, KCCI reported. There are already more than 1,700 long guns and 2,400 handguns in a collection that is used for parts, to solve crimes, for training and occasionally during sting operations.

The DCI would like to collect every make and model of gun ever manufactured. Those that aren’t needed for the collection may be sent to other collections around the country or auctioned off by the Iowa Department of Natural Resoruces or repurposed for law enforcement. The others are destroyed.

Individuals participating should place unloaded firearms in the trunk. Anyone who is unsure of the right way to unload a weapon should call ahead for assistance. No money will be given in exchange for the weapons.

Similar events will be held Friday in Ankeny, Des Moines, Johnston, Mitchellville and Pleasant Hill.

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