Officers will be available from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at two sites
The Sarasota Police Department will host a “Done with the Gun” turn-in and free gun lock giveaway event on Saturday, May 13, to enable members of the community to safely dispose of unwanted firearms and receive locks to secure firearms they wish to keep, the agency has announced.
The event is scheduled from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at two locations in the city of Sarasota, a news release notes:
- Sarasota Police Headquarters, located at 2099 Adams Lane in downtown Sarasota.
- Sarasota Police Substation, located at 1782 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way in Sarasota.
Firearms that residents wish to turn in “must be unloaded with the safety engaged”; each weapon also must be inside a bag, box, holster or case and then stowed in the trunk or the back of a vehicle, the release emphasizes.
Sarasota Police officers also will accept non-working, antique, replica, pellet, and BB guns, along with ammunition, the release adds.
“When you arrive at a drop-off location, the firearm should be in your vehicle, and an officer will retrieve it,” the release points out.
“We’re committed to keeping the City of Sarasota safe,” said Sarasota Police Chief Rex Troche in the release. “Part of that commitment is keeping unsecured and unwanted firearms out of the hands of children and possible criminals. Suppose a citizen no longer wants a firearm,” Troche continued. “In that case, this turn-in event allows them to responsibly dispose of the firearm and ammunition responsibly, thereby eliminating the risk of theft, misuse, or accidental discharge,” he added.