ROMEOVILLE, IL —The Romeoville Police Department will conduct a gun buyback program allowing residents to turn in their weapons with no questions asked and without penalty. The buyback will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 21, at the Romeoville Police Department's Bond/Release entrance located at the west end of the building, 1050 W. Romeo Road.

Police officers across the country see many instances where suspects, particularly juveniles, commit a crime with an older weapon that the rightful owner no longer uses, has forgotten about, or has seemingly lost track of. The Romeoville Police Department's goal is to reduce the amount of firearms within the community that fall into this category. Police are are encouraging residents who know of unwanted weapons in their home to turn them in to include weapons that were previously owned by someone who is now deceased or has left the home.

Residents will receive $60 cash on the spot for each weapon turned in. Ammunition may be turned in as well; however, there will be no payment to individuals turning in ammunition only. Weapons should be unloaded and placed in a bag or other container and transported in the trunk or rear area of your vehicle. If you are unfamiliar with weapons, do not try to unload it or tamper with it in any way. Persons wishing to participate in the program, but do not have a valid Firearm Owner's Identification Card (FOID) will be given amnesty during transport provided they travel in a direct route from their home to the drop-off point. Once you arrive at the site, an officer will take possession of your weapon, no questions will be asked of the person turning in the weapon(s).

If you want to turn in a weapon but have no transportation or you prefer a police officer transport your weapon(s), contact the police department and assistance will be provided on a case-by-case basis. If you have any further questions about the program, please contact Sgt. Christopher Burne at 815-886-7219. Submitted by the Romeoville Police Department