"GREENSBORO, NC (Nov. 10, 2015) – Greensboro police are asking at least 1,000 residents of the Gate City to show their commitment to safety by signing a “Pledge of Nonviolence” this Saturday, Nov. 14 at Destiny Christian Center, 2401 Randleman Rd. from 9 am to 3 pm.
At the same event, gun owners can safely turn in unwanted firearms from their homes.
Police employees will be accepting handguns, rifles, shotguns, and ammunition at the event. This is not a buy-back program. No cash will be given in exchange for weapons voluntarily surrendered to police.
The pledge and the opportunity to turn in weapons are spurred, in part, by an increase in gun violence. This year compared to last, gun violence has increased 68%. The term ‘gun violence’ includes any crimes against people in which weapons were used, and shootings into occupied dwellings. An incident can be classified as gun violence even if no one was injured.
The event also supports the philosophy of Neighborhood Oriented Policing in which law enforcement and community members work together to solve problems. It is one part of the Greensboro Police Department’s multi-pronged approach to reducing gun violence. Other efforts include the creation of a Street Crimes Unit, and enhanced dispatch protocols to calls for service likely to escalate to violence.
“Many of our residents are already actively involved in making our city safer,” said Deputy Chief James Hinson. “Many more want to know how they can contribute to a safe city. By coming to the event and signing the Pledge of Nonviolence, people are making a simple – yet very powerful - tangible statement that they want peace on our streets.”
The first 1,000 people to sign the pledge will receive a small gift. Signed pledge certificates will be displayed at Police Headquarters. After the event, the Pledge of Non-violence will be available for download at www.gsopd.org.
People do not have to turn in a weapon in order to sign the pledge.
Anyone age 18 and above can turn in a weapon. Weapons can be surrendered anonymously. There is no limit to the number of firearms a person can surrender. Once a weapon is surrendered, it will not be returned.
Weapons should be unloaded and cleared when they are turned in. A police employee will receive each weapon and render it safe. Ammunition may also be surrendered.
Firearms will be checked to determine if they have been reported lost or stolen. Police will make every effort to return lost/stolen weapons to their rightful owners. All other weapons will be retained for safekeeping by GPD.
This program supplements GPD’s existing method of taking unwanted weapons off the street. At any time throughout the year, Greensboro residents can call the non-emergency line, 373-2222, to coordinate to turn in an unwanted firearm. A sworn or non-sworn member of the Greensboro Police Department will pick up the weapon from the owner’s home."
- A Press Release
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