Nashville police want residents to turn over unwanted guns

The Metro Nashville Police Department is asking anyone with a gun they don’t want to give it up — no questions asked.

Chief John Drake says people can now drop off weapons at churches throughout the city, where they’ll be stored in a lockbox until officers retrieve them.

“The goal is simple: to save lives in our community. And we can with your help,” he said in a public service announcement released Monday. “Start by asking your loved ones and talking with your kids to see if there are any weapons that could pose a threat to your family. Check to see if there are any guns you’re not aware in your home. You could be surprised.”

Police data show that more than 1,800 guns were reported stolen in Davidson County last year — mostly out of cars.

MNPD has tried similar programs before, where people could turn in weapons in exchange for gift cards. In 2017, the Tennessean reports, police recovered about 200 firearms at one event.

Other cities have used so-called gun buy-backs, too. But even though these initiatives are popular among law enforcement, research suggests they tend not to have much of an effect on gun violence.

MNPD says people who want to turn in firearms can do so anonymously at the following churches, whether or not they are members of the congregation:

• Bethel Church of Nazarene: 455 Broadmoor Drive
• Change Ministry Church: 1001 North 5th Street
• Greater Heights Missionary Baptist Church: 1600 14th Avenue North
• Inner City Ministry: 1000 Apex Street
• Madison Church of Christ: 106 Gallatin Pike
• Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church: 1032 Monroe Street
• New Hope Baptist Church: 6010 South New Hope Road
• The Rock United Ministries: 2422 Alameda Street