Outer-Cape Police Departments Partner for Gun Buyback Program

eastham police1WELLFLEET – Police departments on the Outer Cape are joining once again to provide residents an opportunity to turn in unwanted firearms.

The voluntary gun buyback program will be held at different police stations from Orleans to Provincetown from Saturday through May 16.

Wellfleet Police Chief Ronald Fisette said the program is perfect for those who no longer want to own a gun or have come into possession due to a death in the family.

“If they don’t wish to have it, or don’t want it around, they can turn it in to the local police department and we’ll have them properly destroyed,” said Fisette.

Individuals who turn in a gun will be able to choose from several gifts donated from area businesses including gift cards and even whale watch tickets.

“It’s just sort of an incentive for them to check their inventories, check their closets and see what they have,” said Fisette.

Fisette recommends that those who do not have a license to carry or aren’t comfortable handling the gun should call their local police department.

“They will send an officer out. They’ll make sure the gun is secure and safe and they can bring it to the police station,” he said. “You can follow them and collect your gift card or come by at a later time to collect your gift card. We’ll work out the little things later on.”

The purpose of the program is to help prevent guns from getting to the streets and into the wrong hands.

Fisette said this can happen during home break-ins when criminals may be searching for money, jewelry or drugs.

“If they come across a handgun or come across a firearm that isn’t properly secured and doesn’t have gun locks on it, those are a danger to the public,” he said. “And anything that we can do to make the public a little safer that is what we are looking to do.”

Some of the guns that are brought in to be destroyed can have value and police will notify individuals if they think they could make money from a private sale. Fisette said this happened with five of the 19 guns brought to police stations on the Outer Cape last year.

“Our thing is not to reduce or take money or value from somebody. We are just trying to [provide] a service,” he said. “And if someone needs to be referred to someone we are all happy with that. We just want an owner who is responsible that’s all.”

The gun buybacks will be held each day from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the following locations:

Saturday, May 7:   Provincetown PD

Sunday, May 8:     Truro PD

Monday, May 9:     Wellfleet PD

Tuesday, May 10:   Eastham PD

Wednesday, May 11: Wellfleet PD

Thursday, May 12:  Orleans PD

Friday, May 13:    Orleans PD

Saturday, May 14:  Eastham PD

Sunday, May 15:    Truro PD

Monday, May 16:    Provincetown PD

Guns collected through the program will be delivered to the Massachusetts State Police to be destroyed.

By BRIAN MERCHANT, CapeCod.com NewsCenter

 

 

 

 

 

 

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