KPD to Host Guns for Gift Cards Exchange
Published on April 16, 2024
Contact: Sergeant Eric Karp
Kirkland Police Department
Email: ekarp@kirklandwa.gov
The Kirkland Police Department is hosting a voluntary Guns for Gift Card Exchange on April 27, 2024, at the Kirkland Justice Center between the hours of 9 a.m. and 12 p.m.
“This voluntary event is all about safety,” said Councilmember Penny Sweet. “If there’s a firearm you’ve been meaning to get rid of, now’s a great opportunity. Every unwanted gun turned in is one less likely to be stolen and sold on the street or used in a suicide.”
Proof of Kirkland residency, such as a utility bill, is required to participate. Police staff will not log any identifying information, they will only visually check an address to confirm Kirkland residency. Participant identity is otherwise anonymous.
KPD’s Guns for Gift Cards exchange will occur at the Kirkland Justice Center (KJC), located at 11750 NE 118th Street in Kirkland. Please note there are security cameras at the KJC for public safety.
Residents are asked to stay in their cars, keep weapons unloaded, store unloaded weapon(s) in their trunks or backseat, and most importantly out of arms reach. An officer will remove the weapon(s) from the vehicle, and in exchange, residents will receive a visa gift card ranging from $25 to $250.
Community members will generally be limited to submitting 10 eligible firearms in exchange for gift cards, and onsite staff have the discretion to increase or decrease that limit based on the firearms being turned in, the amount of participation from the public at the event, and the overall desire to safely dispose of unwanted firearms. Event staff have sole discretion about any and all firearms submitted, including determinations as to what constitutes a firearm, the amount of gift cards given in exchange for firearms, and who may participate.
The purpose of this event is to remove unwanted firearms from community members who no longer desire them in their homes. For more detailed step-by-step instruction and additional information please visit the Kirkland Police Department’s website.