The Albuquerque Police Department is collaborating with New Mexicans to Prevent Gun Violence (NMPGV), the Isotopes, New Mexico Lobos, and New Mexico United Soccer for a Gun Buyback Event. The event is scheduled for Saturday, August 24, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at APD’s University Substation located at 1009 Bradbury Dr. S.E.
NMPGV is a non-profit organization aiming to reduce firearm injury and death through education, public health initiatives, advocacy, and public awareness to ensure family and community safety. This marks the twenty-fourth gun buyback event organized by NMPGV, which has so far removed over 2,500 firearms from New Mexico communities. Nearly 40% of these firearms are semi-automatic and assault-style weapons.
“It takes a community coming together to help prevent gun violence,” said APD Chief of Police Harold Medina. “We hope this provides a safe outlet for people to get rid of firearms they no longer want or have use for, to prevent them from getting into the wrong hands.”
“New Mexico United is proud to stand alongside and in support of the Albuquerque Police Department in making New Mexico a safer place for all of us,” said New Mexico United owner CEO Peter Trevisani.
“UNM prides itself on being conscientious and dedicated partners,” UNM Deputy Athletic Director said. “We’re proud to be co-hosts in an effort to prevent and reduce gun violence in New Mexico.”
“This project improves the safety of Albuquerque by removing unwanted guns from our community and provides an opportunity for youth to engage in creative expression and leadership on the issue of gun violence prevention,” said Miranda Viscoli Co-president of New Mexicans to Prevent Gun Violence.
The surrendered guns will be dismantled onsite. The scrap metal will be transformed into gardening tools, musical instruments, and art pieces by high school students from RFK Charter School through the non-profit Southwest Educational Partners and Training (S.W.E.P.T).
The event is designed as a safe surrender initiative facilitated by NMPGV with no information retained on participants turning in firearms. Participants can turn in multiple firearms provided they are unloaded and in working condition. Firearms should be kept in vehicle trunks. NMPGV will offer cash incentives based on the type of firearm surrendered:
∙ $250 for an assault weapon
∙ $200 for a semi-automatic handgun or rifle
∙ $100 for long guns, revolvers, and pistols
Gunlocks will also be provided free of charge by NMPGV.
After surrendering their firearms and receiving cash compensation, participants must undergo a National Crime Information Center (NCIC) inquiry conducted by APD personnel to ensure that surrendered firearms are not stolen. If any firearm is identified as stolen, it will be entered into evidence, and efforts will be made to contact its rightful owner.
Participants are required to remain in their vehicles during the event if possible.
