Two locations in Los Angeles have been set up for the city's gun buyback initiative on Wednesday, Dec. 26, where anyone wishing to dispose of a firearm can do so, no questions asked, in exchange for a Ralphs gift card.
The drop-off locations will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Van Nuys Masonic Temple, 14750 Sherman Way, 91405; and the Los Angeles Sports Arena's parking lot #6 at 3939 South Figueroa St., 90037.
The gun buyback, conducted by the Los Angeles Police Department, is typically held in May, but it was quickly changed to the day after Christmas in the wake of last week's mass shooting in Newtown, CT.
"Cities and states must join with the federal government to do everything we can, as quickly as we can, to keep our communities safe," said Mayor Villaraigosa in a statement. "It is absolutely critical to provide Angelenos with concrete actions they can take today to make our city safer tomorrow."
The drop-off locations will be set up in a drive-thru configuration. Here's how the process will work, according to an LAPD press release:
- Citizens are asked to bring their unloaded weapons secured in the trunk of their vehicles....
- When they arrive at the Gun Buyback location they will be greeted by personnel who will provide them with instructions on how the guns will be removed from their vehicles.
- Police officers will take possession of the surrendered guns and the citizen will be offered a gift card for their surrendered firearm and then they drive away.
- There is no paperwork, no photographs and no logging of anyone who surrenders a weapon.
People coming to the buyback locations will receive a Ralphs gift card with a value of up to $100 for turning in handguns, and up to $200 for assault weapons.
Although the buyback is intended for residents of Los Angeles, authorities said police officers will not be asking people who drop off guns where they live.
For more information and an FAQ, see the attached PDF document and flyer above.
The LAPD started conducting gun buybacks in 2009 and has since collected 8,000 firearms.
