Cape May COunty residents may anonymously exchange guns for money under a new program announced by the county prosecutor’s office March 24 to help get guns off the street.
County residents can get $25 for shotguns and rifles, $50 for handguns and $100 for assault weapons under the program that was modeled after a successful one in Monmouth County.
“We hope it is going to be a very successful program,” said Robert Taylor, county prosecutor, whose office is co-sponsoring the events with the Cape May County Human Relations Council. “It is the first buy-back program we’ve ever had in the county. No taxpayer funds will be used. We are using forfeiture funds from drug dealers for the program.”
The exchanges are planned to take place on four Saturdays in April at four locations in the county, and are endorsed by the County Chiefs of Police Association, the Lower and Middle Township Police departments, the Wildwood Police Department and the New Jersey State Police Woodbine Barracks.
“I am hoping that people will help us get guns off the street.” said Felicia Smith, chairwoman of the human relations council. “Even though we are not as bad as bigger cities, there is still easy access to guns here. If you can just stop people from getting their hands on guns, maybe we can stop people from killing.”
Licensed firearms dealers are not eligible under the program, Taylor said. Guns must be operational to receive payment. Ammunition, replicas and BB and pellet guns may also be turned in, but they will not be included for compensation.
Taylor urged citizens to transport the weapons unloaded, safely, and preferably in a gun case, carton or other closed container in the trunk of a car.
“It is very encouraging when the entire community stands up together to help get guns off the streets,” Taylor said.
According to police sources, many guns used in crimes have been stolen from legitimate gun owner’s homes.
The program is anonymous and no identification will be required, Taylor said.
Human Relations Council members also will be on hand to greet residents at the events, Smith said.
Rev. James R. Hatch Sr. of the Eureka Baptist Church and chairman of the Youth Emplowerment Committee offered thanks to the the prosecutor’s office and the police departments for initiating the gun buy-back program.
The exchanges are set to take place on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on the following dates:
April 5 at the Villas Fire Hall on Bayshore Road,
April 12 at the Wildwood Recreation Center, Rio Grande and Atlantic avenues,
April 19, at the Volunteer Fire Department, DeHirsch Avenue in Woodine,
April 26, at the Christ Gospel Church on Route. 9 in Whitesboro.
Call your respective police departments or the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office at 465-1135 for more information.