POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. — Fifty-five weapons, including 15 handguns and six assault-style weapons, were turned in to law enforcement in Poughkeepsie on Saturday, Dec. 4.
The weapons were exchanged for pre-paid debit cards through state Attorney General Letitia James’ gun buyback event.
The attorney general teamed up with the city officials for the buyback program after an event last June that resulted in 80 weapons being taken out of circulation.
The program has been endorsed by Poughkeepsie Police Chief Tom Pape. He previously told Mid-Hudson News, “Our city has been subjected to several instances of gun violence and our officers are appreciative of the attorney general’s efforts to take deadly weapons off the streets.”
The program allows people to turn in any type of firearm without being questioned by police, and no ID is required. In exchange for the weapon, the person receives a pre-paid debit card with the value dependent on the type of weapon surrendered, ranging from $25 to $250. Assault rifles are valued at $250, with handguns valued at $150, rifles and shotguns valued at $75, and non-working or antique firearms valued at $25.
James said after the event, “From the North Country to Buffalo, the Hudson Valley and Long Island, these gun buyback events are getting dangerous weapons off our streets to help protect all of our communities and save lives. My office is committed to fighting the gun violence epidemic head-on.”
“The City of Poughkeepsie Police are working tirelessly to reduce gun violence, and this is one effective program,” she added. “The partnership between local law enforcement and the OAG (Office of the Attorney General) is working and I will provide any support necessary to aid programs that keep the community safe.”
The event took place at the Beulah Baptist Church at 92 Catharine St. Police said the Rev. Jesse Bottoms provides space for them and welcomed the program.
Acting Dutchess County Sheriff Kirk Imperati stopped in to thank the police officers from Poughkeepsie, Hyde Park, and his two deputies, along with the attorney general’s staff, who worked the detail.
Poughkeepsie Police Officer Kevin Van Wagner, who also serves as the Poughkeepsie Police Benevolent Association president, worked the detail and said he was impressed with the number of weapons. “Our partnership with the attorney general has taken 135 deadly weapons out of circulation during two brief events,” he said. “These guns are no longer a threat to our officers or the community, and we look forward to continuing the partnership.”
Poughkeepsie Mayor Rob Rolison was advised of the number of weapons turned in and expressed his appreciation.
“A great deal of thanks to the Attorney General’s Office and the city of Poughkeepsie Police for putting another successful buyback together,” he said. “Those numbers speak for themselves. Its additional safety for the community and our police officers.”
