HARTFORD, Conn. (WTIC Radio)—This year, the Capital Region Gun Buyback Program returns for its twelfth consecutive year in Hartford to combat the increase of gun violence seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hartford's trauma centers have seen an uptick in gun violence since the start of the pandemic around March, according to Dr. Brendan Campbell, Director of Trauma at Connecticut Children's.
To reduce gun violence, the program aims to reduce the number of unwanted firearms in homes which medical experts say pose a risk.
"When there are unwanted, unsecured firearms in people's homes, in their garage, in their shed, in their attic, those guns are not only an opportunity for criminals, they're also an opportunity for a curious toddler and perhaps most tragically, they're an opportunity for a depressed individual," Campbell said.
Gun-related injuries and death are preventable, Campbell said, with firearm storage being one of the prevention methods.
One of the best ways to make a home safer, Campbell said, is to secure an unwanted firearm in a way that's inaccessible to others or to turn it in.
This year, the Gun Buyback event will be held on Saturday, December 12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Willie Ware Community Center at 697 Windsor Street in Hartford.
Organizers encourage attendees to pre-register for a scheduled time slot to drop off their unwanted firearms to limit the number of people gathering.
However, organizers also encourage walk-ins since the location will have COVID-19 precautions in place including mask-wearing requirements, temperature screenings and social distancing.
All Connecticut residents are welcome to hand in any unwanted firearms. Working guns are eligible for a Stop & Shop gift card.
Attendees are asked to turn in their guns unloaded and placed in a clear plastic bag inside a paper bag or box.
"You don't have to worry about showing an ID. You don't need to have proof of ownership or a receipt. You bring a gun in, we'll accept it," Campbell said.
The program is a collaboration with Hartford's trauma centers, including Connecticut Children's, Saint Francis Hospital and Hartford Hospital, the city of Hartford, the city's police department, the Hartford State's Attorney Office and several other community partners.
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