![Photo of the 1,100 guns and assault rifles netted in Camden County in the "guns for cash" program](http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/image_content_width/hash/1e/58/1e583fdb5f4dae05170f89535ad03cc8.jpg?itok=JndNF3M1 "Photo of the 1,100 guns and assault rifles netted in Camden County in the "guns for cash" program")
As the gun control debate heats up on all levels across the country, the New Jersey Attorney General’s office announced on Jan. 10, 2013, that a $100,000, state-sponsored gun buyback program for residents of Mercer County will take place at two churches in Trenton on January 25 and 26.
Between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. on January 25 and 26, Mercer County residents can turn in up to three firearms of any type “no questions asked” and receive cash payment of up to $250 per weapon. This program was done in Camden County back in December and netted more than 1,100 guns and assault rifles.
“As we all know, and as we were tragically reminded in December with the Sandy Hook school shootings, there are just too many guns out there and too many people dying as a result of gun violence. If we can save one life through this initiative, then its money well spent,” Attorney General Chiesa said during a press conference held this morning at Hughes Justice Complex.
“I’ve read and heard some of the comments of the doubters,” Chiesa added. “But let me be clear: we don’t view gun buybacks as some magical, stand - alone answer to the gun violence problem. However, buybacks are a worthy aspect of a larger anti-violence strategy. And, as our recent experience in Camden County demonstrated, they work.”
Police officers will be stationed at the two churches , the Pentecostal Assembly of God Church and the Greater Mount Zion AME Church , to collect and secure the guns. The Attorney General’s Office is paying for the buyback with forfeiture funds obtained by its Division of Criminal Justice. There is no cost to New Jersey taxpayers.
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