There have been 23 homicides committed in the City of Grand Rapids in 2020. With an increase in shootings and violent crimes, the Grand Rapids Police Department is proposing a gun buyback program.
The Grand Rapids Police Department will propose a gun buyback program to the City Commission in an effort to reduce violent crimes. It’s a proactive approach that aligns with the department’s strategic priorities. In this case, safety and community engagement.
Weapons turned in will have a predetermined value ranging from $50 to $200 each. The money would come from the City of Grand Rapids Safe Alliances for Everyone (SAFE) Task Force. A request for $20,000 will be made to the Fiscal Committee and the City Commission Tuesday.
Police Chief Eric Payne explains, “This program will help us get illegal guns off the street and provide community members who no longer want to have legal firearms in their home a place to safely dispose of them. Removing these weapons will make the community safer by limiting access to firearms by those interested in using them in criminal acts.”
If approved, the buyback program would begin in October.