Monmouth County Gun Buyback Program Scheduled

Article by Elaine Van DeVelde

If you have a gun that you'd like to get rid of and make some cash in the process, then Friday and Saturday are the days to do so in Rumson and Asbury Park. 

As part of Monmouth County's gun buyback program, area residents can anonymously surrender weapons in exchange for cash — no questions asked, Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni said in a released statement.

On Friday or Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., you can either go to the Rumson Police Department, 80 East River Road, or the Shiloh Community Fellowship Church, 142 Dewitt Ave., Asbury Park, and surrender the guns anonymously for anywhere from $25 to $200 compensation, according to a release from the Prosecutor's Office. 

"No questions asked and get cash back: that is the philosophy behind our gun buyback program. Residents can bring in weapons to either of the two locations we have established without fear of getting in trouble," Gramiccioni said in the release.

The county program held in Asbury and Keansburg in March resulted in the surrender of 1,581 guns - including 15 assault weapons, according to the release. 

The highest amount, $200, will be paid for an assault weapon; $100 for handguns; and $25 for shotguns and rifles. Ammunition, pellet and BB guns may be surrendered at the locations but there will be no compensation for those items.

All weapons should be unloaded and transported safely, in accordance with the law, the release added.

The gun buyback program is sponsored by the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office, Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders, Monmouth County Sheriff's Office and the Monmouth County Police Chiefs' Association.