WMass looking at gun buyback program

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Gun control advocates here in Western Massachusetts have been monitoring New Haven's gun buy back program this weekend.

New Haven Police and a group called The Injury-Free Coalition for Kids collected 63 guns of all types, along with three possible assault weapons. Last week's gun buyback netted New Haven police 65 firearms.

It's been a few years since Springfield area police department conducted gun buyback programs. Springfield area residents today shared their views with 22News about the gun buyback approach.

“As a physician I see all the consequences of gun violence. I think anything that gets them off the street has got to be a move in the right direction. On the other hand, the real problem is the easy availability in the first place,” Dr. Richard Friedberg of Longmeadow said.

“I mean there's definitely a step in the right direction, I think especially after Newtown, a lot of attention has been focused back on guns, a lot of people really want to do something,” Briton Ash said.

The coordinator of the New Haven gun buyback program said many sellers had inherited their firearms and they no longer wanted them in the house in light of the Newtown tragedy.