Gun Buyback: Detroit Program Pays $50 Per Gun To Keep Weapons Off Streets

DETROIT (WWJ/AP) — Authorities hope a gun buyback program in northwest Detroit will help get weapons off city streets.

The Wayne County sheriff's office says the "Cash for Caliber" event starts at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Mathis Community Center.

Detroit's own Judge Greg Mathis will be on hand with the hope that the program will help reduce violence in the city.

"Those who have access to a gun that has no real utility please turn it in, particularly if you know it to be something that is vulnerable to landing in the wrong hands," Mathis said.

A $50 Visa gift card will be exchanged for each gun with no questions asked. A maximum of three guns can be turned in per person.

The sheriff's office says a goal of the program is to give people a way to surrender weapons not wanted in or around homes where children can get their hands on them.

Sheriff's personnel will secure the weapons which later will be fashioned into jewelry by the Caliber Collection and sold. A portion of the proceeds will be used to hold future gun buyback programs.

"We have a really special Detroit cuff with the Old English D font," Jessica Mindich, CEO of the Caliber Collection, said.

The event will be hosted at the Mathis Community Center on Greenfield near Seven Mile from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturday.

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