Make streets safer and get paid for your effort

It’s a program that aims to clean up the streets of Jacksonville while landing you some extra money.

“When it isn’t just law enforcement against bad guys, it’s the entire community against bad guys, that’s when cities become safe,” says Jacksonville Civic Council Chair Steve Halverson.

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has relaunched the gun bounty program, which started in 2006.  The program encourages you to report anyone illegally in possession of a gun in exchange for a $1,000 reward. Since the launch in September 2006, the program has received nearly 2700 tips resulting in 309 arrests, 336 weapons seized, and $204,000 paid out in rewards.

But over time, the program has lost some steam, which is why there will be a new push on marketing the opportunity.  Tips are anonymous and submitted through Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS.

While the payout is what all parties involved hopes will get you interested, the end goal is to drive down gun violence in Jacksonville.

“The last thing we need is to be the murder capital again, we need to get rid of that title and this, I think, will help very much,” says First Coast Crime Stoppers Executive Director Wyllie Hodges.

The Sheriff’s Office is also hosting gun buyback events where you can turn in a gun, no questions asked, and receive $50. The first event is Saturday, June 29 from 10 AM – 2 PM at the Maceo Elks Lodge #8 at 712 W Duval Street.