INDIANAPOLIS (WTHR) – 80 guns were surrendered at a gun buyback program in Indianapolis Saturday.
IMPD worked in partnership with the Indy Public Safety Foundation, community organizations and religious leaders to host the buyback.
“I contend, that gun by gun that is surrendered, we make our city safer,” said Pastor Stephen Clay.
People were able to drive up and turnover firearms, "no questions asked," in exchange for a gift card. Amounts started at $50 and increased depending on the type of weapon.
Organizers said they distributed $4,200 in gift cards.
There is a debate, whether or not gun buyback programs are successful in reducing crime. However, police say they’re not only, concerned with street violence, but accidental shootings as well.
“Every couple of times a year you hear where a child finds a gun and discharges it and shoots somebody. So, we have got to get those out of homes,” said IMPD Capt. Brownie Coleman.
Each of the guns collected was turned over to the Marion County Sheriff’s office to be destroyed.