Gun buyback in Monmouth County today

     Guns cover tables in Camden, N.J., Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2012. (Mel Evans/AP Photo, file)

    Guns cover tables in Camden, N.J., Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2012. (Mel Evans/AP Photo, file)

    Anyone can anonymously surrender an unloaded gun and receive cash today in Keansburg, the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office announced.

    The Monmouth County Gun Amnesty Program, a partnership between the county’s Board of Chosen Freeholders and various local and county law enforcement agencies, will be collecting firearms at the New Point Comfort Fire Co. at 192 Carr Avenue from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m.

    Known as “guns for cash,” the program allows citizens to turn in unwanted weapons for cash payments of $100 for assault weapons, $50 for handguns and $25 for rifles or shotguns, according to the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office.

    The program, part of a comprehensive effort to remove guns from the streets, is anonymous and voluntary.

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    “We all share a stake in a safer community, and gun buyback programs provide an opportunity for anyone to turn in any type of guns to help create that safer environment,” acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni said in a release. “Nobody should have to live in fear of violence in their own neighborhood or in their own home. Gun violence has certainly proven to be a deadly part of many communities across the nation and Monmouth County is not immune. Turn in the guns with no questions asked and you can make a little cash too.”

    According to the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, participants must follow these rules:

    Individuals transporting weapons are allowed to transport without a permit to the surrender location only. No other exemptions exist.
    Weapons should be unloaded and transported in a gun case or other sealed container.
    Weapons should not be transported while concealed on an individual’s person.
    Licensed firearms dealers are not eligible for this program.

    A uniformed officer will be stationed outside the building to provide additional information and directions.

    For more information, contact the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office at 800-533-7443.

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