Fayetteville police to hold gun buyback program

The Fayetteville Police Department will host a gun buyback program next weekend.

The program will be Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Kingdom Impact Global Ministries, 2503 Murchison Road.

The program allows firearms to be surrendered anonymously with “no questions asked,’’ the Police Department said in a release.

The program is “an effort to address gun violence in our community and create a safer place for everyone,’’ the release said.

People who turn in handguns will receive $100; those who turn in rifles or shotguns will receive $150; and those who turn in assault weapons will receive $200, the release said. There is a maximum of $600 compensation per person, the release said.

BB guns and pellet guns will not be accepted.

The Police Department outlined several guidelines that need to be followed in order to receive payment. They are:

• People should place unloaded weapons in the vehicle’s trunk, truck bed, cargo area or backseat before leaving home and heading to the event.   
• People should remain in their vehicles at all times. An officer will remove the gun from the vehicle.
• Once a gun is determined to be a working firearm, compensation will be provided. People will be asked to “leave a mark’’ indicating they are surrendering a weapon to the Police Department in order to receive compensation. 
• People should not touch any of the weapons.

People attending the event should approach the church via Murchison Road. Officers will direct vehicles to designated areas, the release said.