S.D. to Buy Back Guns

The city of San Diego will buy back guns from residents between April 14 and April 25, Police Chief Bob Burgreen said Tuesday.

The Police Department, which is prepared to commit $25,000 to the program, will also oversee the controversial effort to help rid the city of guns that might be used for criminal purposes, Burgreen said. Some city officials had argued that the program would not be effective in curbing crime.

The conditions of the buy-back program are:

* All purchases will be made in the police pistol range parking lot at 4008 Federal Blvd., 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

* The city will pay $50 for each assault weapon and $25 for each handgun, rifle or shotgun. There is no limit to the number of guns a person can sell and all sales are final. Payments will be made by checks, which must be cashed within 60 days.

* Sellers must be San Diego County residents and 18 or older. Photo identification is required.

* All guns must be commercially manufactured and in working condition; weapons such as pellet guns and starter guns will also be accepted.

* Working guns not bearing serial numbers will be accepted, but no money will be paid for them.

* Licensed firearm dealers will not be eligible to participate.

Burgreen said he hopes the corporate community will step forward to contribute to the buy-back program. For more information, contact Dave Cohen at the Police Department at 531-2675.