The Mayor, City of Houston in Partnership with Commissioner Rodney Ellis, Harris County Precinct One announces Gun Buyback.
In partnership with the Houston Police Department, officers will conduct a Gun Buy Back Operation in the parking lot of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. Depending on the type of weapon, citizens turning in firearms will be rewarded with a gift card in the amounts from $50.00 to $200.00. All firearms will be retrieved with a no-question-asked policy by law enforcement. Funding for this program was provided by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
Upon Arrival: Please stay in your vehicle at all times. All firearms must be stored inside the trunk of your vehicle. We will not facilitate in providing a gift card for those who do not follow directions. Please see the video instructions below:
What categorizes as a functioning or non-functioning firearm, rifle, shotgun, handgun and fully automatic rifle?
An unserviceable firearm is a firearm that is incapable of discharging a shot by the action of an explosive and is incapable of being readily restored to a firing condition.
A rifle is a gun, especially one fired from shoulder level, having a long spirally grooved barrel.
A shotgun is a long-barreled firearm designed to shoot a straight-walled cartridge known as a shotshell, which usually discharges numerous small pellet-like spherical sub-projectiles called shot, or sometimes a single solid projectile called a slug.
A fully automatic firearm an auto-loading firearm that continuously chambers and fires rounds when the trigger mechanism is actuated.
Does the firearm need to be functioning in order to participate?
No.
May I turn in more than one firearm?
Yes, you may turn in as many firearms as possible.
May I have someone else drop off my firearm(s)?
Yes, however the gift card(s) will be handed over to the resident who turned in the firearm.
How long is my VISA/Mastercard gift card activated for?
Each gift card will be active for 12 months.
What are the limits per person for the program?
None.
Will I need to show my ID?
No. No identification or Government ID will be needed or shown to participate.
Do I need to be a Houston resident to participate?
No. No ID is required, so residency will not be checked.
Does my immigration status affect my ability to participate?
No
What happens to the firearms after they are collected?
All firearms will be checked to see if they are stolen or used in any crimes. They will then be destroyed.
Will I be able to participate by turning in my ammunition?
Yes, you will be able to participate in turning in your ammunition, however no monetary value will be given as the gift cards only apply to firearms.
If you have any additional questions, please contact the Office of Policing Reform & Accountability at (832) 393-6772 or COH_Policing_Reform@houstontx.gov.
