Gun buybacks take weapons out of circulation, no evidence it reduces violence, experts say

https://abc7chicago.com/gun-buyback-chicago-crime-violence-near-me-2022/11757175/

CHICAGO -- Chicago officials launched a fundraising campaign to support the city's largest-ever gun buyback program, with the goal of raising $1 million to entice people to turn in guns during two large events this year.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot called it a "bold new initiative" and said it would get "guns out of the hands of dangerous people." Chicago and other cities have been running these programs for decades, often trading gift cards of $100 or so for guns and some lesser amount for replica guns.

Chicago officials annually take in hundreds of guns through buyback programs. But decades of research shows such programs don't reduce gun violence, in large part because they don't result in guns being taken from people who aren't supposed to have them, CNN reported. One recent study found "no evidence that (gun buyback programs) reduce suicides or homicides where a firearm was involved."

These types of programs are common in cities across America, and Chicago's goal is ambitious compared to other programs. Long Beach, California, police took in 280 guns at an event in September. More than 250 were turned in at an event last summer in Desoto, Texas. Police in Albany, Georgia, collected 40 this way last spring.

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