Norwich police to hold gun buyback program Sunday at Dodd Stadium
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Jun. 25—NORWICH — Norwich police will hold a gun buyback program from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday at the Thomas J. Dodd Memorial Stadium, 14 Stott Ave., Norwich, with cash and gift cards provided for functional weapons ranging from pellet guns to assault-style weapons.
Norwich Police Chief Patrick Daley said the buyback is the first in recent memory by Norwich police, and Sgt. Nicholas Rankin, head of the community policing unit, said a buyback event was one suggestion made by residents during community policing meetings.
Nearly two dozen donors, including the William W. Backus Hospital, local banks and credit unions, supermarkets, auto dealers, local furniture stores and other prominent local businesses provided donations for the program, and the police department contributed funds as well, Rankin said.
The program is "100% anonymous. No ID required," police said in a flier posted on the department's Facebook page. Participants do not have to be Norwich residents.
Participants are asked to bring unloaded firearms in a clear plastic bag or container and place them in the trunk of the vehicle. Once officers establish the firearms are functional, the owner will receive payment. No ammunition will be accepted.
The first 20 participants will receive a $25 Stop & Shop gift card in addition to the buyback price.
The program will pay $10 for a BB/pellet gun; $25 for a single shot/double shot Deringer-style weapon; $50 for a hunting rifle or shotgun; $100 for a handgun and $300 for an assault-style weapon.
Vehicles entering Dodd Stadium will be directed to the front gate area for the buyback program. Police will have a table set up with gun safety information and will offer one free gun safety lock per participant.
"If it works out, we'll continue doing it," Rankin said.
