COMPTON, Calif. — Less than a month after the Los Angeles Police Department collected 2,037 weapons during a daylong buyback event, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is launching its annual “Gifts for Guns” program Monday.
Sheriff’s deputies will be on hand in the parking lot of a Ralphs supermarket at 280 E. Compton Blvd. in Compton from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., exchanging weapons for gift cards.
“Anybody can go into any patrol station and anonymously donate their gun,” said sheriff’s spokeswoman Nicole Nishida. “But this gives them the opportunity to do that and receive some money.”
Weapons that have not been stolen are to be melted down and molded into rebar, Nishida said. The process is common among guns collected from buyback programs and department confiscations, Nishida said.
But some law enforcement agencies are starting their own trends. Newark Mayor Cory Booker is touting jewelry made from melted-down guns seized by New Jersey police.
Gun buyback programs have garnered more attention in recent months in response to a string of mass shootings across the country.
This week, Congress introduced a bill that would offer gun owners a $2,000 federal tax credit for turning in an assault weapon to police.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department will give gift cards in the amounts of $200 for an assault weapon, $100 for a handgun, rifle, or shotgun and $50 for a non-operational firearm. The cards are redeemable at Target or Ralphs.
Los Angeles Times
13 Comments to “Sheriff’s Department Plans ‘Gifts for Guns’ Buyback in Compton”
January 19, 2013 at 9:40 PM
Maybe gift cards for KFC would be in order?
January 19, 2013 at 10:27 PM
LOL,…. That would be great bait to use.I wouldn't be give up my guns If I lived there .That's where you need em the most.
January 20, 2013 at 3:56 PM
Your comment is racist as intended.
January 19, 2013 at 10:52 PM
Or three cartons of newports, free hair extensions, or VIP status on their EBT card. Their pick…..
January 20, 2013 at 7:20 PM
or nail salons
January 19, 2013 at 11:10 PM
what do the police dept's throughout america & in LA , do with the guns they get at these these gun buy back programs?……..i've never seen any of them being destroyed on the tv news……..ya think they sell them?….ya think the cops keep the good ones?……or do they send them to mexico?……….they'll probably only get 3 guns at the buy back in compton……alota mexican illegals in compton nowdays………probably 3,000 criminals roaming the streets there right now!………obama needs to take his 1/2 negro ass to compton,,instead of hanging out with all the rich folks……..
January 20, 2013 at 7:23 AM
All stolen guns, no doubt. No one is going to spend $500+ on a weapon and then redeem it later for a $100 or $50 gift card.
Also I see an arbitrage opportunity here: "This week, Congress introduced a bill that would offer gun owners a $2,000 federal tax credit for turning in an assault weapon to police."
January 20, 2013 at 7:33 AM
Its an appalling program rewarding the worst of society with rewards for guns that they shouldn't be in possession of in the first place.
How about the City offer gifts for law abiding tax payers!!!!!
January 20, 2013 at 8:49 AM
Just give 'em crack for a gat!
January 20, 2013 at 12:02 PM
One less gun on the streets is definitely says lives.
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January 20, 2013 at 7:08 PM
When Jerry Brown was mayor of Oakland, CA, they staged a well publicized buy-back with lots of TV coverage. It was during a news story that I spotted a custom deer rifle that had been stolen from mu house, easy to spot because of a hand-made distinctive bolt handle. Calling the Oakland P.D. resulted in one of those useless run-aroiunds we have all gotten used to when dealing with people who can't or won't help. As I explained to several of the people with whom I spoke, removing the butt cap (remiving two screws), would uncover my name and address stamped underneath. I also gave them the serial number, which had been supplied to the ALameda County Sheriff's office when the robery was reported. No action was ever taken. The rifle was either destroyed or went home with somebody involved in the buy-back.
These buy-backs appeal to a lot of people but none so much as those getting rid of stolen goods or goods used in commission of a crime.
January 23, 2013 at 9:49 PM
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