Senator Malcolm A. Smith, NYPD & Community Church Hold Successful P-3 Gun Buyback Program

(St. Albans, NY)-  Senator Malcolm A. Smith (D-St. Albans) was joined by Councilman Jumaane Williams (D-Brooklyn), Kings County District Attorney Charles Hynes, members of the NYPD and Restoration Temple Assembly of God for a day-long gun buyback program located at the Brooklyn church. Within the opening hour of the P-3 (public private partnership) program, fifty guns were collected. By the close of the program an additional 35 revolvers, semi-automatics, rifles and shotguns were turned in.

“Today’s successful Gun Buyback Program is a true testament of what can occur when public and private partners collaborate to ensure the safety of the 19.5 million residents in the State of New York. I would like to thank the donors of the P-3 program: Related Companies, United Federation of Teachers and Deutsche Bank. Without them and their level of support, this program would not have been possible. This program brings together anti-gun violence groups, as well as leaders from the cornerstone sectors of our community and links them to comprehensive strategic planning to reverse the gun violence trend and remove guns from the streets.” Senator Smith continued “Today anyone could turn in a gun with no questions asked. Programs like this and Operation SNUG (GUNS spelled backwards) which is a program designed to reduce gun violence and crime throughout our cities, will only help to alleviate the many acts of violence in our communities.”

Anyone who turned in a working handgun received a $200 bank card. Up to three guns could be turned in for money. Those turning in working shotguns or rifles received a $20 bank card.

New Yorkers may also turn in weapons anonymously at police stations citywide every day of the week and receive $100. In addition, the Department's Operation Gun Stop Program (1-866-GUN-STOP) rewards individuals up to $1,000 for information that leads to the arrest of an individual who is carrying, selling or using guns illegally.

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Malcolm A. Smith is the New York State Senate Immediate Past President Pro Tempore (2008-10). He currently serves as Secretary of the NYS Democratic Conference and ranking member on the Banking Committee.