Boston’s Gun Buyback Program Rakes in a Whopping One Firearm

Boston’s gun buyback program was off to a speedy start in 2014, but has slowed dramatically with only one firearm turned in so far this year.

2014 yielded more than 400 firearms, each purchased for anywhere between $100-$200. This year however, is a different story. Boston police say the program is still up and running, but the public seems to have all but lost interest in the initiative.

“There’s no question why the total number is down: The gun buyback’s numbers clearly aren’t on the same level as the guns taken a year ago,” said police spokesman Officer James Kenneally. “As long as there’s funding, it’s an option we can provide to community members.”

While Boston police haven’t been receiving any firearms through the buyback program, they’ve still managed to snatch up more than 400 “crime guns” during arrests and other means, making the streets at least a little safer.

“Don’t underestimate the effort that goes into taking those guns off the streets of Boston,” said Kenneally. “Those are the tough guns.”

Even still, Walsh plans to redouble their efforts in collecting firearms through the buyback program and reached out to the public for help.

“We need to make sure we double our efforts on that,” said Walsh. “I’m asking any family members out there that you know have a gun in the house – or you might know that one of your kids has a gun – we will come and pick it up. We will take the gun out of the house.”

(This article was a submission from freelance writer Brent Rogers)