Gun Buyback Program Continues Saturday

New London's gun buyback program continues on Saturday. The program runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 9 and Sunday, March 10 t the Truman Street substation.

Mayor Daryl Finizio announced the program, which is overseen by the New London Police Department, in January.

The program offers $75 for rifles or shotguns, $100 for handguns, and $150 for assault weapons. Finizio previously said residents taking part in the program will not be charged for minor offenses, such as owning a firearm without a permit, but that it is not a general amnesty program since investigators will be checking the serial numbers of weapons to see if they were involved in major crimes. Once the guns have been turned checked and catalogued, officers will take them to the Connecticut State Police for destruction.

Private donors are funding the gun buyback, including the New London County Clergy Association and New London County Bar Association.

Anyone taking part in the program should ensure that guns that are being turned in are not loaded. Residents should place any firearms in a clear plastic bag and place this in the trunk of their vehicle, so officers may retrieve the weapons from there.

Residents may also contact the police department to request an officer to pick up a firearm at their home. Deputy Chief Peter Reichard said this option will be done on a case-by-base basis and that residents would have to make arrangements to fill out paperwork at the substation.

The gun buyback program began on March 2 and Sunday March 3. Reichard said 47 people turned in a total of 88 firearms: 40 handguns, 38 long guns, and one assault weapon. Most residents were giving up rifles and shotguns, and many of those taking part were senior citizens. Reichard said the department will give gift cards for up to three guns, but that some residents turned in four or more despite the lack of reimbursement for the extra firearms. Nine long guns were turned in for destruction without compensation.