Trumbull Police Accepting Ammo, Guns and Violent Video Games

Trumbull Police are asking residents to voluntarily turn in guns, ammunition and violent video games to set a positive example for children.

"The Trumbull Police Department will collect guns, ammunition, and violent video games from Trumbull residents, as part of an overall effort to set the tone for change in the wake of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings that occurred last month in Newtown," First Selectman Tim Herbst said in a recent press release.

Residents can bring their items with no questions asked from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Police Headquarters. All guns must be unloaded.

Police Chief Thomas Kiely said officers trained in the use of firearms will ensure that proper safeguards are in place.

“Our police officers are properly trained to handle this type of collection effort and we stand with our friends in Newtown to send a message that as a law enforcement agency, we will do everything in our power on a pro-active basis to voluntarily collect firearms and ammunition from residents willing to offer it,” Kiely said. “The First Selectman and I are committed to approaching a solution on the local level and taking whatever steps necessary to make our Town as safe as we possibly can.”

Herbst added, “A voluntary program sends a message that as citizens of this great Town, we believe that we have a moral responsibility to act in ways that demonstrate our core beliefs to take personal responsibility for our actions. I am grateful that Trumbull can set an example for the rest of Connecticut by demonstrating shared commitment and a conscience effort to turn the page by setting a positive example for our children.”

Herbst said he believes that in addition to any debate concerning gun control, there should also be a debate on how the entertainment industry tempers its marketing of violence to a very young and fragile population.

“You cannot desensitize acts of despicable brutality by marketing to children horrific violence that is reflected in movies and in video games. I was repulsed to learn that for at least the last decade, an online video game called ‘Kindergarten Killer’ has been marketed to and accessible to children. We need to send a message on every level that as a society we will not tolerate this kind of violence,” he said.

Anyone turning weapons in to the Trumbull Police Department is asked that all weapons must be unloaded and brought to the front lobby of the Police Department contained in a carrier or suitable bag. Also, the Actions (bolts, slides, cylinders, etc.) are to be in the open position and any magazines, clips or ammunition being turned in must be placed in a separate bag or container.

Receipts will be available upon request.