Local law enforcement agencies, commissioners to host gun buyback events

On Saturday, October 22, seven local law enforcement agencies and the Oakland County Board of Commissioners will be hosting gun buyback events at four locations throughout the county.  

“Working with our local police departments and listening to our community gun safety leaders as we continue our efforts to reduce violence in our communities has been inspiring and encouraging,” Board Vice Chairwoman Marcia Gershenson (D-Bloomfield Township) said. “Our goal in providing this space for residents to voluntarily turn in their unwanted guns is that it will have a positive impact in our community.”

The events will all take place on October 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the following locations:

• St. David’s Episcopal Church, 16200 W. 12 Mile Road in Southfield, hosted by Lathrup Village and Southfield Police Departments

• Royal Oak Police Department, 450 E. Eleven Mile Road in Royal Oak, hosted by Berkley and Royal Oak Police Departments

• Auburn Hills Police Department, 1899 N. Squirrel Road in Auburn Hills, hosted by Auburn Hills and Bloomfield Township Police Departments

• Ferndale City Hall Parking Lot, 300 E. Nine Mile Road in Ferndale, hosted by the Ferndale Police Department

“After seeing how successful gun buyback programs have been around the country, it’s great that we’ve been able to organize these events locally to serve Oakland County residents,”

Commissioner Charlie Cavell (D-Ferndale) said. “These events will help guide the Board as we determine how we can make the most impact to reduce violence in our communities.”

Participants will receive generic Visa-type gift cards in exchange for the weapons. They will receive $100 in exchange for handguns, $200 for long guns and $300 for assault rifles. In addition, participants will be asked to provide identifying information when turning in firearms.   

The Board approved $45,000 for the Oakland County Gun Buyback Pilot Program on September 1. Through the program, the Board has provided funding to local law enforcement agencies to cover the costs of planning, hosting and administering the gun buyback events. Voluntary gun buyback programs provide a safe, legal way for residents to dispose of unwanted firearms and can help reduce the number of weapons potentially accessible to children, youth, and vulnerable individuals.  

The Oakland County Gun Buyback Pilot Program is a part of the Board’s commitment to reducing violence in the community. In addition, the Board recently established a $500,000 Crisis Intervention Training Pilot Program to increase local law enforcement agencies’ access to training that better equips police officers to assist individuals with mental health concerns and/or addictions.

For additional information about the Board of Commissioners, visit www.oakgov.com/boc.