Could Gun Turn-ins Turn Dangerous?

This weekend The Los Angeles Times reported something extremely upsetting. During a cash for guns event, something unexpected was handed in:

“The Inglewood Police Department was expecting to see handguns, sawed-off shotguns and assault rifles at its Gifts for Guns exchange today. The live hand grenade took officers by surprise.

“They discovered the grenade about an hour after the event started, in one of several boxes of loose ammunition a man surrendered in exchange for a $100 American Express gift card, said Lt. Mike McBride of the Inglewood Police Department.”

We at Firearmstruth.com already believe that these events do little to actually get guns off the streets, and instead of merely public relations events to make people feel good without doing any real police work. But the situation is far worse it seems.

Because these events are “no questions asked” we have to ask again whether evidence from crimes, stolen guns or worse – namely dangerous items such as live grenades – might not be handed in as well. In the case of the first item, how many criminals are hoping the evidence is handed in and destroyed, possibly making convictions impossible? In the second case, how many stolen guns are destroyed and never reunited with owners? And in the third case, how long until tragedy strikes at one of these events?

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