TO: Committee of the Whole - Public Safety and Human Services
FROM: Mayor Angela Birney
DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR CONTACT(S):
|
Police |
Chief Darrell Lowe |
425-556-2521 |
DEPARTMENT STAFF:
|
Police |
Brian Coats |
Deputy Chief |
TITLE:
title
Redmond Police Department Gift Cards for Guns
OVERVIEW STATEMENT:
recommendation
In the 2025/2026 biennium budget, City Council allocated $50,000 to fund a gun buy-back, sponsored by the City of Redmond. The police department opted to hold one event in the Spring and another in the Fall of 2025.
On Saturday, April 19, 2025, the police department hosted a Gift Cards for Guns event in the north lot of the public safety building. The event was promoted as an opportunity for Redmond residents and employees to trade in their firearms in exchange for Visa debit cards.
body
☐ Additional Background Information/Description of Proposal Attached
REQUESTED ACTION:
☒ Receive Information ☐ Provide Direction ☐ Approve
REQUEST RATIONALE:
• Relevant Plans/Policies:
N/A
• Required:
N/A
• Council Request:
Council requested a report-out following the event.
• Other Key Facts:
N/A
OUTCOMES:
The Gift Cards for Guns event offered Redmond residents and employees a safe and convenient way to remove unwanted firearms from their homes. While Redmond experiences relatively low rates of gun violence, unsecured firearms still pose a risk, especially when left accessible to children, visitors, or individuals in crisis. By turning in firearms they no longer needed or wanted, participants helped prevent the potential for accidental discharges, unintentional injuries, or theft during home burglaries.
In total, 98 firearms were submitted in exchange for $15,000 in Visa debit cards. The exchanged firearms included:
• 18 Pistols
• 24 Revolvers
• 36 Rifles, including 2 AK-47’s and 1 AR style assault rifle
• 16 shotguns
The Fall Gift Cards for Guns event has been scheduled for Saturday, September 20, 2025.
COMMUNITY/STAKEHOLDER OUTREACH AND INVOLVEMENT:
• Timeline (previous or planned):
N/A
• Outreach Methods and Results:
The Guns for Gift Cards event was promoted via normal social media and network news platforms.
• Feedback Summary:
N/A
BUDGET IMPACT:
Total Cost:
Budget allocation: $15,000.00
Labor cost (11 overtime employees): Approximately $4,000
Approved in current biennial budget: ☒ Yes ☐ No ☐ N/A
Budget Offer Number:
228 Criminal Justice
Budget Priority:
Safe and Resilient
Other budget impacts or additional costs: ☐ Yes ☒ No ☐ N/A
If yes, explain:
Examples: software with a yearly cost, revenue generating, match requirements, etc. - if none, enter N/A.
Funding source(s):
General Fund
Budget/Funding Constraints:
N/A
☐ Additional budget details attached
COUNCIL REVIEW:
Previous Contact(s)
|
Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
|
N/A |
Item has not been presented to Council |
N/A |
Proposed Upcoming Contact(s)
|
Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
|
5/20/2025 |
Committee of the Whole - Public Safety and Human Services |
Receive Information |
Time Constraints:
N/A
ANTICIPATED RESULT IF NOT APPROVED:
Funding this program was pre-approved by City Council.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A: Guns for Gift Cards flyer