San Mateo County Gun Buyback FAQ

The San Mateo County Sheriff's Office answers frequently asked questions about Saturday's gun buyback at the San Mateo County Event Center. The following questions and answers were supplied by the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office.

What is the Gun Buyback initiative?

This Gun Buy Back will reward the voluntary surrender of firearms, while engaging our communities towards a common goal of reducing gun violence. In partnership with the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office, the Gun Buy Back effort will secure a neutral location in the County, where individuals can surrender their firearms - no questions asked.

What is the location?

The location for the Gun Buy Back will be the San Mateo County Event Center/Fairgrounds.

What are the times?

The Gun Buy Back will take place on Saturday, January, 26 2013, from 10:00AM - 2:00 PM

What is the amount per gun?

Up to $100.00 CASH for hand guns, shotguns, & rifles. Up to $200.00 CASH for Assault Weapons. (As classified in the State of California).

Is this a sting? Will the Sheriff’s Office be taking pictures of participants and writingdown license plate numbers?

No. The Gun Buy Back is not a sting. It is an anonymous process in which individuals cansurrender their weapons, no questions asked. Law enforcement officials will not be taking pictures of participants, nor will they be logging license plate numbers or running ballistic testson the guns that are turned in.

Will you conduct ballistic testing on the weapons?

No. Ballistic testing will not be conducted on firearms that are surrendered during the Gun BuyBack.

Is there a limit to how many firearms I can turn in?

No. However, we reserve the right to limit the amount of funds an individual can receive, regardless of the amount of firearms the individual has surrendered.

What happens if I decide to turn in a gun at the Gun Buy Back, then I decide I want tokeep it?

Once a firearm is surrendered at the Gun Buy Back it becomes property of the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office. At which time the firearm will not be returned.

What happens if you run out of funds?

The quantity of funds is limited and subject to availability.

Will you check for lost or stolen status of the weapons? If so, will you return to owner?

Yes. All weapons will be checked for lost and/or stolen status. Every effort will be made to return lost and/or stolen firearms to their rightful owners.

What will happen to the weapons once they are collected?

All weapons will be checked for lost or stolen status, and if applicable will be returned to their rightful owners. All other firearms will be prepared for destruction by the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office.

Can I turn in the gun for someone else?

Yes. The Gun Buy Back is completely anonymous and no questions will be asked.

Who can I contact if I have a gun that I want to turn in after the event?

In the event you are not able to attend the Gun Buy Back event you may contact the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office at (650) 363-4000. However, the Gun Buy Back event is the only way to receive CASH for the firearm.

How is this event being paid for?

The event is being paid for by private and community donors.

Can residents from outside the city turn in their weapons?

Yes. Although the event is specifically geared for residents of San Mateo County, residency will not be asked upon surrendering of firearms.