Title
Approval of a Resolution Authorizing a Community Gun Buy-Back Program within the Olympia Police Department
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to committee
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the Resolution authorizing a community buy-back incentive program within the Olympia Police Department.
Report
Issue:
Whether t o approve the Resolution authorizing a community buy-back incentive program within the Olympia Police Department.
Staff Contact:
Rich Allen, Chief, Olympia Police Department, 360.753.8147
Presenter(s):
Rich Allen, Chief, Olympia Police Department
Background and Analysis:
At the August 9, 2022, Council meeting, it was announced that the Olympia Police Department implemented a firearm destruction program so individuals with unwanted firearms could safely and legally turn in their weapons. The Council expressed interest in incentivizing the program and offered to provide the Department with one time funding of $15,000 from the Council Goal fund.
Under the incentive program, the City will purchase $15,000 in pre-paid visa gift cards in $200 increments. The Olympia Police Department will issue community members one gift card per surrendered firearm, proactive to August 9, 2022.
Each transaction will be assigned a police report number and logged for auditing purposes.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Reducing the number of available firearms in the community contributes to an overall strategy to address gun violence. The buy-back program will provide the community the ability to surrender unwanted and unneeded firearms in a safe and legal manner.
Options:
1. Move to approve the resolution authorizing a community gun buy-back program.
2. Do not approve the resolution
3. Request changes and consider approval at a later date.
Financial Impact:
The City Council previously indicated the desire to use 2022 Council Goal Money to fund this project. If approved, this Resolution authorizes the ...
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