The Office of Alternative Policing Strategies is excited to announce the launch of a new gun retrieval program that begins tomorrow with the help of several faith-based partners in an effort to reduce violent crime throughout the city.
Last year more than 1,300 guns were stolen from cars within Davidson County. So far this year, more than 70% of all guns reported stolen were taken from vehicles. A large portion of those stolen weapons are used to commit more violent crimes.
Inspector David Imhof and Lieutenant Steven Bowers are starting this program with the goal of getting unwanted, potentially dangerous, and stolen weapons off the streets and out of unsafe hands. Participating churches will now offer a no questions asked process where community members can anonymously turn in firearms. Church membership is not required to visit any of these locations.
The following locations have been equipped with secure lockboxes to safely store those weapons until police can be dispatched to collect them:
- Bethel Church of Nazarene; 455 Broadmoor Drive
- Change Ministry Church; 1001 N 5th Street
- Greater Heights Missionary Baptist Church; 1600 14th Avenue North
- Inner City Ministry; 1000 Apex Street
- Madison Church of Christ; 106 Gallatin Pike
- Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church; 1032 Monroe Street
- New Hope Baptist Church; 6010 S New Hope Road
- The Rock United Ministries; 2422 Alameda Street
A video from Chief John Drake explaining more about this program is available at this link:
Video About the New Gun Retrieval Program
For media availability with Lt. Bowers to discuss the gun retrieval program in more detail, please call the Public Affairs Office at 615-862-7306.