BPD developes gun exchange program

BRADENTON - In an effort to remove a significant number of firearms from the streets of Manatee County, the Bradenton Police Department has developed a gun exchange program.

The objective of the initiative is to make the city as safe as possible and the rules are simple. Citizens who have guns they wish to discard can do so anonymously and receiving a gift at the same time.

On Friday, BPD will set up two locations in the city limits where residents can exchange their weapons for a $25 or $50 gift certificate to either Beall's Department stores on Albertsons. Drop-off points will also be set up for Saturday and Sunday as well.

The next gun exchange will occur during the following dates and times periods at two locations:

- 2004 14th Street West (Tamiami Trail) from 5 to 8 pm Friday; from 9 am to 4 pm Saturday and from 1 to 6 pm Sunday.

- 1500 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. East (9 Avenue East) from 5 to 8 pm Thursday; from 9 am to 4 pm Friday and from 1 to 6 pm Sunday.

All guns should be transported in a secure container, preferably inside the trunk of a vehicle. All guns should be empty (unloaded) of all ammunition and wrapped in a paper bag or newspaper.

It is very important that you notify the officer at the exchange if you are unable to unload a gun brought to the exchange location.

All persons exchanging a semi-automatic gun will receive a fifty-dollar ($ 50.00) gift certificate. Those who exchange any other type of gun will receive a twenty-five dollar ($ 25.00) gift certificate.

Citizens may also turn in contraband i.e. illegal drugs or stolen property without fear of arrest, no questions asked. Anyone with questions can contact Lieutenant Tim Christensen at 932-9349.

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