Bristol Police Holding Buyback Program

BRISTOL, RI — The Bristol Police Department is holding a gun buyback program later this month as part of their "suicide prevention and harm reduction initiative." The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Nov. 28.

"While the Town of Bristol does not suffer from a problem with gun violence or firearm related
criminal activity, it is not immune from the effects of self-harm events and instances of
depression and suicidality," the department said in a statement. "The goal of this initiative is to remove the potential means of harm from the home for individuals needing a safe, responsible way to do so during this holiday season."

The department will offer residents money in exchange for unwanted guns, both working and nonfunctional. Function handguns and certain long guns will fetch up to $200, up to $100 for functioning rifles and shotguns and $500 for guns found to be used in a crime or stolen. Guns that do not work and older pieces will also be collected and a reward will be offered, the department said. Anyone turning in a gun will be asked to fill out a registration.

All collected firearms will be tested by the State Crime Laboratory and the department.

According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention, suicide rates climb in the fall and spring, claiming the lives of more than 36,000 each year, nationwide. Guns are involved in 75 percent of these instances, and more than three quarters of youth suicide attempts include a weapon stored inside their home.

"The Bristol Police Department is committed to working with its community partners toward
reducing the means of self-harm and providing a safer community as a result," the statement continued. "We urge anyone possessing unwanted or unneeded firearms in the home to take part in this event and assist the BPD in working toward a safer community."