PONTIAC, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Police departments in Oakland County  will be hosting a gun buyback program this Saturday. 

The buyback program comes after a decision in early September, to grant  $45,000 in funding after the proposal was approved by the Oakland County Board of Commissioners on Sept. 1. 

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“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.”

Those participating can receive payment in the form of a visa-type gift card, with $300 for an assault rifle, $200 for a long gun, and $100 in exchange for a handgun.  People turning in a firearm must provide ID.  

The county will have multiple police departments hosting buybacks on Saturday from 10 am until 2 pm at various locations including: 

  • Auburn Hills Police Department, 1899 N. Squirrel Road, Auburn Hills (Hosted by Auburn Hills and Bloomfield Twp. police)
  • Ferndale City Hall Parking Lot, 300 E. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale (Hosted by Ferndale police)
  • Royal Oak Police Department, 450 E. Eleven Mile Road, Royal Oak (Hosted by Berkley and Royal Oak police)
  • St. David’s Episcopal Church, 16200 W. 12 Mile Road, Southfield (Hosted by Lathrup Village and Southfield police)

This comes after the Grand Rapids Police Department gun buyback program in mid September – with no questions asked – in which donors would receive $200 gift cards for assault rifles and semi-automatic handguns, while revolvers, shotguns, and rifles earned $100 gift cards. 

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

Gershenson also remarked how other programs combating gun violence headed by the county include expanded giveaway of gun locks, and a public-service campaign to encourage safe gun storage.  There is also an initiative relating to crisis-intervention training for local police officers.