Heights Police Trade Guns for Cash

On a rare occasion, police officers were glad to see guns at the this past Saturday. 

"So far the count is 40 guns off the streets that have been turned in at the Chicago Heights Police station," said Chief William Joyce. "Chicago Heights is leading all the municipalities in recovering firearms." 

Along with Joyce, Chicago Heights police chaplain Bishop Ronnie White, Illinois State Police Commander Terry Lemming and several Chicago Heights detectives and officers took part in the buyback program.

Joyce who is also the President of the South Suburban Association of Chiefs of Police discussed the event with other chiefs in the South Suburbs.

"Last year was a warrant sweep, this year we wanted to see guns removed from homes where they don't belong," Joyce said. "A firearm in a home has the potential to be stolen and used in a crime. Another danger is to have a curious child find the weapon and discharge it, hurting themselves or another."

One Chicago Heights detective agreed with Joyce, saying the department was a happy to get the guns off the street.

"We couldn't have done this without the support of the agencies from the Chiefs of Police," Joyce added. "They contributed $250 per department. It brought up to 16,000 to purchase these guns back. People were given $50 cash for turning in their guns."

So how did they get the word out to bring in the guns? White was instrumental in promoting the event.

"I approached the local churches," White said. "The religious communities made announcements during services."

Besides the , Calumet City, Riverdale, Midlothian and Dolton were turn-in sites as well.