Gun buybacks make return to Boston

Gun buybacks make return to Boston - The Boston Globe
Boston officials said yesterday they have raised approximately $40,000 to resume a gun buyback program, which will offer $200 Target gift cards for each working gun that is turned in.

In the last gun buyback, from 1993 through 1996, approximately 2,800 guns were turned in for $50 apiece. A study by criminologist David Kennedy found that almost three-quarters of the guns were made before 1968 and few were the type of semiautomatic pistol typically used in crimes.

Criminologists have also criticized gun buyback efforts for offering cash . They say cash can be used to buy more guns or drugs.

Katherine Mainzer, a community leader involved in planning the earlier buyback as well as the new program, said using gift cards bolsters fund-raising by allowing corporate sponsors to donate merchandise instead of cash. Police officials and community leaders said that they hope other corporations will follow suit.