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Greenwich Police Push Gun Return After Newtown Tragedy

GREENWICH, Conn. – Greenwich police collect unwanted firearms "all the time," according to police spokesman Lt. Kraig Gray, but the department is hoping to increase public awareness of its efforts with a firearm return event Feb. 9.

The Greenwich Police Department will host a firearm turn-in event Feb. 9.

The Greenwich Police Department will host a firearm turn-in event Feb. 9.

Photo Credit: Eric Gendron

"The tragedy in Newtown was the impetus for a lot of people to reevaluate security plans, gun ownership and access to guns," Gray said. "And we know in Greenwich, it's not a matter of 'get guns off the street.' Really it's that there are unwanted guns in households."

Greenwich police will accept any rifles, shotguns, assault weapons, nonoperational weapons, ammunition, carrying cases, holsters, BB/pellet guns and any other additional dangerous weapons, such as swords or knives at the event.

The event is a collection and not a buyback, so no compensation will be given for turning in a firearm.

"All we're doing is putting the word out there that we're doing this," Gray said. "If you do have unwanted guns that you're re-evaluating after the Sandy Hook tragedy, we'll take them and we'll destroy them for you."

The reasons people turn in guns vary, Gray said. From "grandpa's war trophies found in the attic" or a simple change of heart, Gray said the department is always ready to take registered guns with no questions asked.

"The goal isn't that we're looking for enforcement," he said. "It's for convenience."

Residents can even call the Greenwich Police Department and an officer will go to your house to pick up the firearm if the resident is uncertain how to handle it, Gray said.

All firearms must be unloaded and transported in the trunk of a vehicle or in a box or bag. Ammunition should be in a separate container from the firearm.

Contact Detective Anthony Fiscella at 203-622-8021 for more information.

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