
By Steve Tawa
CAMDEN, N.J. (CBS) — In an effort to cut violent crime in Camden, where the year-to-date murder rate has hit 64, the state is running a ‘gun amnesty buyback’ program late next week.
READ MORE: Gas Prices Up In New Jersey, Around Nation Amid Refinery OutagesNew Jersey Attorney General Jeffrey Chiesa says the $100,000 ‘guns for cash’ initiative will be paid for by funds seized from convicted drug dealers and other violent offenders:
“The buyback of these dangerous weapons will cost taxpayers nothing,” Chiesa says. “We’re going to use forfeiture funds.”
It’ll take place December 14th and 15th at two Camden churches; Antioch Baptist on Ferry Avenue and Higher Ground on Vine Street. Camden County residents can turn in firearms of any type, “no questions asked.”
READ MORE: 'The United States vs. Billie Holiday' Goes Deeper Into Background Of Classic 'Lady Sings The Blues'‘If you give us an operable higher-end weapon, that could get you up to $250,” says Chiesa. “If you bring in an gun that’s inoperable, the lowest amount is $50.”
A similar ‘guns for cash’ buyback program in Newark in 2009 brought in more than 700 weapons.
Last year, a gun buyback program in Camden netted 50-weapons. Camden County Prosecutor Warren Faulk notes the payoff for that one was a gift certificate to a Pathmark supermarket.
MORE NEWS: Fire Crews Rush To Battle Burning House In Delaware CountyHe thinks the cash offer will attract more interest this year.