What is a Gun Buyback?

The Gun Buyback will reward the voluntary surrender of firearms while engaging our communities toward a common goal of reducing gun violence. The gun buyback effort has secured a neutral location where individuals can surrender their firearms – no questions asked.

Where is the location?

The buyback will be held at the City of Santa Barbara Public Works Yards off 300 East Cota Street. (Near the intersection of Garden & East Cota Street.

What are the times?

The Gun Buyback will take place on Saturday, May 20, 2023, from 9 AM to 1 PM.

What is the amount per gun?

*A $100.00 gift card for each firearm turned in.

Is this a sting? Will Police be taking pictures of participants and writing down license plate numbers?

No. The Gun Buyback is not a sting. It is an anonymous process in which individuals can surrender 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 tests on 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 number of gift cards an individual can receive regardless of the number of firearms the individual has surrendered.

What happens if I decide to turn in a gun at the buyback, then I decide I want to keep it?

Once a firearm is surrendered at the Gun Buyback, it becomes property of the Santa Barbara Police Department. At which time the firearm will not be returned.

What happens if you run out of gift cards?

The quantities of gift cards are limited and are subject to availability. Even if we do run out of gift cards, we would still like you to consider turning in your firearm(s).

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 Santa Barbara Police Department.

Can I turn in the gun for someone else?

Yes. The Gun Buyback 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 Buyback event, you may contact the Santa Barbara Police Department at (805) 897-2355. However, the Gun Buyback Program is the only way to receive a gift card for the firearm.

Can residents from outside the city turn in their weapons?

Yes. Although the event is specifically geared for residents of the City of Santa Barbara, residency will not be asked upon surrendering of firearms.

For more information or questions about the SBPD 2023 Gun Buyback, please contact Commander Bryan Jensen – 805-897-2376 or bjensen@sbpd.com.