Portsmouth plans to hold firearms buyback event
PORTSMOUTH — The city’s latest step toward combating gun violence is opting into a firearms buyback program.
The goal is to reduce the number of guns sold illegally and prevent stolen firearms from being used for violence. Portsmouth residents can hand over a gun and receive money or a gift card in return — no questions asked.
“Any day we can get one gun out of a kid’s hand is a victory in my book,” said city council member Chris Woodard, who voted in support of the program at the May 24 meeting.
Council member Lisa Lucas-Burke credited the program with being a step in the right direction toward combating gun violence.
Police Chief Renado Prince said he was initially opposed — from his experience, guns handed over are typically those left behind after someone dies, not weapons being used for crime on the street. His perspective changed. “Somebody said something to me, which was, ‘What if that gun buyback program gets a gun out of the house that could’ve been stolen and used in the commission of a crime?’ ” Prince said during the council meeting. “It changed my whole world.”
The program is funded by the Hampton Roads Black Caucus, Prince said, which hosted a March buyback event in Norfolk. At that event the caucus collected more than 30 guns and some ammunition, with gift cards and money provided in exchange. A buyback event for Portsmouth is planned for June 25.
Prince said a police detective will be in an unmarked car to make sure exchanges go smoothly. The caucus has partnered with Pastor Barry Randall to help collect the guns, which are then properly destroyed.
Ronald Taylor of the Hampton Roads Black Caucus said compensation typically ranges from $50 to several hundred dollars, depending on the type, condition and quantity of firearms
turned in. Gun owners also can opt for a gift card.
Taylor said the program is funded with private donations to the caucus.
Prince said the data showing the effectiveness of buyback programs are varied. But he said it’s about the effort to “get that one gun off the street” that could help prevent a crime.
Council member Bill Moody said studies show such programs aren’t effective at obtaining guns from those who will use them to harm others, but “it can’t hurt” and “perhaps it helps a little bit.” He voted in support.
The vote to adopt the program was divided, with Vice Mayor De’Andre Barnes and council members Mark Whitaker and Paul Battle voting against.
Barnes said he doesn’t want the program to promote a false narrative that it will reduce crime. Instead, the city should address the root cause of what’s causing crime and preventing those involved in violence from “choosing that lifestyle,” he said.
Whitaker said his opposition was due to the lack of clear data on effectiveness. Battle initially said he would support the program.
Taylor said future buyback events across Hampton Roads also will provide free gun safety locks and classes for responsible firearm use.
For more information about the program, residents can call Randall at 757-7164242 or Taylor at 757-2376257.