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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 7, 2002
PR-108-02
www.nyc.gov


MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG AND COMMISSIONER RAYMOND W. KELLY LAUNCH 2002 CITYWIDE CASH FOR GUNS PROGRAM


New Anti-Gun Initiative Pays Cash for Lethal Weapons

As part of the ongoing efforts to take guns off the streets, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly today announced that the NYPD will pay $100 for the surrender of every handgun, sawed-off shotgun and assault weapon, as part of the new 2002 citywide "Cash for Guns" program. Anyone who delivers a gun will remain anonymous and will not be questioned.

"Just because crime in our City continues to decline does not mean we can relax any aspect of our efforts to keep New York the safest large city in the country," Mayor Bloomberg said. "This program recognizes that we can always do more to prevent gun violence and is another step to reducing violence and keeping our streets safe."

"We encourage every New Yorker who has a gun to take advantage of this program. You'll receive $100, and make your home and your city a safer place, " Commissioner Kelly said. "And we expect many people would prefer to have cash in their pockets than a deadly weapon in their homes."

Any gun that appears to be operable, including revolvers and semi-automatic and automatic pistols, can be surrendered anonymously, 24 hours a day, at any Police Precinct, Housing Police Service Area or Transit District. Anyone who is uncomfortable delivering a gun to a police station can call a local precinct and make arrangements for it to be picked up. Individuals who turn in weapons will receive a "Thank You" letter from the NYPD, along with a voucher for $100, redeemable for cash at any of eight "Cash for Guns" central locations throughout the City.

With reward money funded by state forfeiture assets, the 2002 citywide "Cash for Guns" program is the NYPD's latest initiative to prevent street violence. Last month the department strengthened "Operation Gun-Stop," by doubling the reward money from $500 to $1,000 for every anonymous tip reported to 1-866-GUN-STOP that leads to the arrest of someone who possesses or sells illegal guns. In addition, the cash reward is now guaranteed to be paid within 72 hours. Since April 15, the invigorated operation has already produced 74 anonymous tips that have led to investigations.

The 2002 "Cash for Guns" program is scheduled to run for 30 days, but may be extended. Though an unlimited number of guns can be turned in, individuals will receive a maximum reward of $300. Active law enforcement agents and licensed gun dealers are not eligible to receive payment. Guns delivered to precincts must be unloaded and sealed in a bag. In 1999, 1,900 guns were acquired in a 30-day period through a similar NYPD initiative.

www.nyc.gov

Contact: Edward Skyler / Megan Sheekey
(212) 788-2958
Michael O'Looney (NYPD)
(646) 610-6700