Gun Buyback Program an 'Outstanding Success,' Prosecutor Says

To Somerset County Prosecutor Geoffrey D. Soriano, the 1,302 rifles, shotguns, handguns and assault weapons purchased over the course of the county's first gun buyback program last week was an "outstanding success."

"Why did we do all this? Our rationale, our goal — which is consistent with the Attorney General's policy — was to reduce the risk of injury, threat of accidental harm or injuries, reduce the number of firearms available for the commission of crimes and reduce crimes overall," Soriano said, during a news conference at his Somerville office.

"It's all about removing unwanted guns from our community."

Soriano referenced the shooting death of a 6-year-old in Toms River Tuesday more than once during the conference, which included a number of chiefs of police, as well as State Sen. Christopher "Kip" Bateman, Freeholder Peter Palmer and Somerset County Sheriff Frank Provenzano.

Of the weapons collected, Soriano said 23 were assault weapons, with about a quarter of the remaining 1,279 being handguns. Three tables in the media center of the Prosecutor's Office presented some of the guns collected, including a number of sawed-off shotguns, an Uzi and several other automatic rifles, and a Luger from World War II.

Soriano said the serial numbers on the guns are being checked with the National Crime Information Center to find any that have been reported stolen — and with about half of the gun checked, SCPO Chief of Detectives Stuart Buckman said three were reported stolen and will be returned to their owners.

Except for any with historical interest to the New Jersey State Police, all of the remaining guns will be sent to a steel mill in Middlesex County and melted down.

The program collected the guns at four locations in the county April 5 and April 6, with payments of up to $250 offered, with no questions asked — although those bringing in the guns were given the opportunity to provide their names for receipts if desired.

The program paid out $133,150, provided by funds from the Somerset County forfeiture fund — money confiscated from drug dealers and other convicted criminals— as well as Bernards Township resident Richard Palumbo, who contacted Bernards police to offer to help.

"We took him up on it, and we took his money," Soriano said.

He said a number of people were repeat customers of the program, making more than one drop-off. 

"I remember a gentleman walking though the streets in the Borough of Somerville carrying three shotguns, on two occasions, coming back to collect his money," Soriano said.

He said the number of guns collected was surprising, but continues a trend toward heavy participation in gun buyback programs around the state this year. 

Soriano said he did not anticipate setting any additional buyback events, but said residents can always voluntarily surrender unwanted guns through their local police department.