Olympia Police Chief Rich Allen came before the City Council last summer to gain approval for a gun buyback program. The council earmarked $15,000 for the program, but the buyback part of the deal was nonexistent until now.
On Tuesday, Allen spoke to the council again, asking for approval of a resolution authorizing the program. The council unanimously approved the resolution that allows the department to use the $15,000 to buy gift cards for those who give up their firearms.
Those who participate in the program will receive a prepaid Visa gift card with $200 on it for each firearm surrendered. Allen said the firearms don't even have to be in working order. He said about six have been turned in since August, and those who turned them in will receive gift cards retroactively.
Allen said those interested in participating in the program should call the department to set up an appointment with the evidence office — people should not bring guns to the department or City Hall. When you arrive for your appointment, call the department again and an officer will meet you.
Firearms can be turned in anonymously as well.
The firearms will be searched for in law enforcement databases, Allen said, and if they come up stolen, they'll be returned to the rightful owner wherever possible. If they're not stolen, they'll be destroyed. The department contracts with a company in Eastern Washington that shreds firearms in a large grinder.
