Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly, Queens District Attorney Richard Brown and State Sen. Malcolm Smith announced a gun buy-back program that takes illegal guns off the streets Saturday in Queens.
A $200 cash reward was given for each eligible weapon surrendered. The gun buy-back event was held between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. at New Jerusalem Baptist Church in Jamaica section.
"Getting guns off the street and reducing crime has always been, and remains, a top priority of my office," said Brown. "The ultimate goal of this law enforcement initiative is to get as many guns as possible off the streets of Queens County in order to reduce firearm violence and bring about safer neighborhoods for all residents. The support of the community is critical to the success of this program and emblematic of the level of cooperation needed by law enforcement to ensure the safety of everyone."
Commissioner Kelly says nearly 7,700 guns have been recovered since the start of the buy-back program.
People with guns, legal or illegal, get $200 bank cards for turning them in. No questions are asked. The bank cards can be used as a debit card or money can be withdrawn at any ATM. There is no limit to the number of guns participants can surrender, but they will only be paid for three.
Handguns, rifles and shotguns will be accepted. Functional BB guns and air pistols can be exchanged for a $20 bank card. The guns must be functional. No guns will be accepted from active or retired law enforcement officials.
Plainclothes police officers, Queens D.A. Detective Investigators and members of the NYPD Queens District Attorney Squad will be on hand at the church to accept the firearms.
Participants are asked to bring unloaded weapons in paper or plastic bags or shoe boxes when brought to the church. If the firearms are brought in by car, they must be in the trunk of the car.
The Queens gun buy-back program is funded by a public-private partnership.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 4:30 PM EDT2013-06-19 20:30:42 GMT
The FBI has found possible human remains in a dig at the New York City house once occupied by a famous gangster. An FBI spokesman confirmed Wednesday that agents found material that they want to test as part of an investigation.
The FBI has found possible human remains in a dig at the New York City house once occupied by a famous gangster. An FBI spokesman confirmed Wednesday that agents found material that they want to test as part of an investigation.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 7:07 AM EDT2013-06-19 11:07:13 GMT
Photo courtesy of @N42_21_W71_04)
Riders should anticipate some changes but "near normal" service on the Long Island Rail Road for the morning rush.
Riders should anticipate some changes but "near normal" service on the Long Island Rail Road for the morning rush. Crews have been working to repair tracks and switches after Monday's derailment.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:07 AM EDT2013-06-19 10:07:22 GMT
NYC
Nearly 3 million New Yorkers' homes are now in evacuation zones that cover more than a third of the city's population, under new maps released Tuesday.
Nearly 3 million New Yorkers' homes are now in evacuation zones that cover more than a third of the city's population, under new maps released Tuesday.In the wake of Superstorm Sandy, officials said last month, the number of zones would double and encompass about 600,000 more residents.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 9:50 PM EDT2013-06-19 01:50:52 GMT
FDNY photo via Twitter
Emergency responders rescued a worker who was trapped when a trench collapsed Tuesday evening at a Queens construction site that was supposed to be closed.
Emergency responders rescued a worker who was trapped when a trench collapsed Tuesday evening at a Queens construction site that was supposed to be closed.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 8:34 PM EDT2013-06-19 00:34:07 GMT
It's a sight that can trigger dread. The low-battery message appears on your cell phone when there's no charger around.
It's a sight that can trigger dread. The low-battery message appears on your cell phone when there's no charger around. Now New York City has teamed up with AT&T to install 25 solar powered charging stations over the summer.
Monday, June 17 2013 6:03 PM EDT2013-06-17 22:03:08 GMT
Mayor Michael Bloomberg has tried to limit the size of soda consumption, ban smoking in parks, encourage bike riding and now there"s another possible plan on the table: mandate recycling of food waste.
West Side resident Matt Murphy has stored a pail of leftovers on his floor for the last two months. His building is part of the city's food-recycling pilot program. Mayor Bloomberg wants to expand the program citywide.
