In September 2022, the Board of Commissioners established the Oakland County Gun Buyback Pilot Program and dedicated funding to expand law enforcement training opportunities, both in an effort to combat violence in local communities.
Introduced by Commissioner Charlie Cavell (D-Ferndale), Vice Chairwoman Marcia Gershenson (D-Bloomfield Township) and Commissioner Michael Spisz (R-Oxford), the pilot program provides funding to local law enforcement agencies to cover the costs of planning, hosting and administering gun buyback events in Oakland County. Voluntary gun buyback programs provide a safe, legal way for residents to dispose of unwanted firearms and can help reduce the number of weapons potentially accessible to children, youth and vulnerable individuals.
On October 22, 2022, the Board hosted four gun buyback events in partnership with the seven following local police departments:
- Auburn Hills
- Berkley
- Bloomfield Township
- Ferndale
- Lathrup Village
- Royal Oak
- Southfield
In total, 353 weapons, including five assault rifles, were collected from the events. Law enforcement agencies distributed more than $35,000 in gift cards to those who participated.
In addition, Safes and Guns Unlimited in Keego Harbor is offering a coupon for 10% off any safe. Click here for the coupon.
In August 2022, the Board of Commissioners unanimously approved $500,000 for the establishment of a new Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) Pilot Program. Crisis intervention training better equips law enforcement officers to assist individuals with mental health concerns and/or addictions. The pilot program will be administered in partnership with the Oakland Community Health Network (OCHN).
CIT provides a foundation to promote community solutions to assist individuals with a mental illness and/or addictions. The program aims to reduce the stigma of seeking mental health treatment and offer alternatives to the criminal justice system.
The $500,000 program includes:
- $320,000 to expand Oakland County's CIT program
- $100,000 to fund a reimbursement grant for local law enforcement agencies that access training and education through the Oakland County CIT Pilot Program
- $80,000 to fund a reimbursement grant for County personnel and local law enforcement agencies to achieve the CIT Program professional certification through CIT International
Gun Locks
Since 2014, the Board of Commissioners has honored National Safety Month in June to promote safe firearm storage. Safely storing firearms helps to prevent suicide, tragic accidents and gun violence. Call your local police department to request a free trigger lock. Safe storage can save lives.