What is the Evidence for Gun Buyback Programs?

Gun buyback programs are popular in the United States. By offering citizens of a city cash for their guns, it is thought that the number of crimes involving guns in that city will be reduced. Despite their popularity, previous research has shown that gun buyback programs often do not reduce crime, at least at the city level. For the first time, the source article examines the impact of these programs at a more local level. The findings indicate that gun buybacks in Philadelphia, PA, did not reduce gun crimes or gun-related calls for service in the immediate vicinity surrounding specific buyback locations. Policy makers may need to consider whether resources allocated to gun buyback programs might be better spent on more promising prevention efforts.