Guns confiscated from a crime scene by Eureka police in 2015. | File photo.

From the Eureka Police Department:

As a separate event in conjunction with Project S.A.F.E. Eureka, the Eureka Police Department is holding a Gun Buy-Back program on Friday, March 24 through Saturday, March 25, 2017. Project S.A.F.E. is a collaborative effort to improve neighborhood and residential safety by reducing gun-related violence and the number of superfluous, unsecured firearms within the City of Eureka and the unincorporated areas of the county.

The Gun Buy-Back Program affords citizens the opportunity to voluntarily turn in firearms in exchange for pre-paid gift cards. The identity of all individuals will remain anonymous.  No I.D. will be required and no questions will be asked.

Firearms should be transported UNLOADED in the trunk of your car and if possible, store them inside a gun case or enclosed container or box.  No walk–ups and no ammunition. Do not bring the firearm with you into the Eureka Police Department’s lobby. The firearm will be removed from your vehicle by EPD personnel. On a case-by-case basis, an officer may be available to respond to meet you for the exchange at an alternate location within the City of Eureka.    

Firearms must be functional in order to qualify for a gift card exchange. Firearms that do not qualify will be accepted under the Project S.A.F.E. Gun Buy-Back program but will not be eligible for a gift card exchange. An individual may surrender more than three weapons, but gift card reimbursement may only made for a maximum of three weapons. We reserve the right to limit or decline funds to an individual regardless of the number of weapons surrendered. $50.00 pre-paid gift cards will be exchanged for operable handguns, rifles and shotguns, and $100.00 gift cards will be exchanged for assault-type weapons (such as AR-15, SKS/AK-47 style semi-automatic rifles). Funds are limited but some exceptions may be made on a case by case basis.

Guns collected will later be checked for lost or stolen status and, if applicable, may be returned to their legal owners if the owners are not otherwise prohibited from possession of a firearm. All other firearms will be prepared for destruction.

The Gun Buy-Back Program will be held on Friday, March 24th and Saturday, March 25th at the Eureka Police Department from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (604 C Street, Eureka, CA).

Funding for this event is raised from private donations. EPD would like to extend a special thanks to Redwood Capital Bank and the Rotary Club of Southwest Eureka for their generous donations to this program. Those community members who would also like to donate to this event may contact Suzie Owsley at (707) 441-4371 (sowsley@ci.eureka.ca.gov) or Captain Steve Watson at (707) 441-4084(swatson@ci.eureka.ca.gov).

Please note, Project S.A.F.E. Eureka and the Gun Buy-Back Program are not intended to be construed as anti-Second Amendment. Rather, EPD is promoting responsible, legal, safe and secure gun ownership in an endeavor to reduce-gun-related violence in our community.

The Gun Buy-Back event is happening now at the Eureka Police Department. Gift cards are going fast so act quickly if you want to participate in this opportunity. For questions, please contact Captain Watson at (707) 441-4084.