From Machetes to Rifles, Residents Surrender Weapons

An assortment of weapons ranging from machetes, rifles and handguns to a Taser, were surrendered by Greenwich residents over the weekend.

Greenwich Police held the weapons turn-in day on Dec. 14 at headquarters. A total of 10 rifles, a BB rifle, a pistol and a Taser were handed in, along with more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition and three high-capacity mags.

But the weapons of choice to surrender were knives and billy clubs. There were 22 folding knives, five hatchets and five machetes turned in.

In a statement, Police Chief James Heavey said, the department's firearms turn in program was initiated as a response to the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre on Dec. 14, 2012.

"Events of this magnitude resonate with us all, whether we are directly involved or not. I don’t it think  would be an overstatement to say that “everyone” in Connecticut, let alone the country, were reevaluating their personal belief about guns and gun ownership," Heavey said.
 
Heavey added, "The Greenwich Police  wished to do something  tangible to help connect our citizens to this national tragedy. Our programs goal was to provide residents who no longer chose to own a firearm an opportunity to turn them in for destruction. The program was to remain neutral on the debate and provide a voluntary avenue in which to dispose of an unwanted firearm or weapon."

Heavey also said, "From the beginning our definition of success would be if we were to get one single unwanted gun that would be a positive outcome. Our program would be held three times throughout the year and net 120 weapons ranging from rifles to knives to the surprise weapon: an African spear. In the end, it’s not about numbers but about service to the community." 

Residents can surrender unloaded weapons anytime at headquarters or can call police to arrange pickup if they are uncomfortable carrying the weapons to headquarters, police have said.