The Hawthorne Police Department's Inaugural Community Gun Buyback Program on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at Hawthorne City Hall.
 

Authorize the Police Chief to execute the Hawthorne Police Department's Inaugural Community Gun Buyback Program on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at Hawthorne City Hall.

The City of Hawthorne has experienced five homicides in the last five months. In response, the Hawthorne Police Department proposes its inaugural Community Gun Buyback Program to promote public safety, encourage the responsible disposal of unwanted or improperly stored firearms, and foster community engagement during the holiday season.
This voluntary, no-questions-asked event will allow residents to surrender firearms in exchange for prepaid gift cards, reducing the circulation of potentially dangerous weapons while educating participants on safe storage practices and firearm violence prevention. The program aligns with state initiatives, including the Local Law Enforcement Gun Buyback Grant Program. Funding for gift cards and operations will be sourced from the Police Department's existing budget with no additional cost to the general fund anticipated.
The event will take place on Saturday, December 20, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Hawthorne City Hall, 4455 W 126th Street, Hawthorne, CA 90250. Participants must arrive with unloaded firearms securely stored in their vehicle's trunk and remain in their vehicles during processing for safety. No personal identification will be required, ensuring anonymity.
All surrendered firearms will be rendered inoperable, and a report will be authored including the firearm make, model, serial number, caliber, and condition. All surrendered firearms will be destroyed by LSC Destruction Company, a certified provider specializing in ATF- and California SB 1019-compliant contraband destruction services. LSC's mobile shredding units will pulverize weapons on location, eliminating transportation risks and maintaining chain-of-custody integrity. 
PROGRAM DETAILS:
•    Incentive Structure: 

• $50 gift card for non-working firearms.
• $100 gift card for working pistols, rifles, and shotguns.
• $200 gift card for ghost guns (firearms without serial numbers).
• $300 gift card for assault rifles.
• 3D-printed and homemade firearms will be evaluated onsite for appropriate value.

•    Safety and Logistics: 

• Firearms must be unloaded and transported in the trunk of a vehicle.
• Event staff, including uniformed officers, will process submissions drive-thru style.
• Educational materials on firearm safety, storage, and violence prevention will be distributed.
• Media outreach will promote the event to maximize participation and community awareness.

•    Expected Outcomes: 

• Removal of dozens to hundreds of firearms from circulation.
• Enhanced community trust through transparent, anonymous participation.
• Contribution to a safer holiday season and New Year by addressing improper storage and unused weapons.

This program represents a proactive step toward reducing gun violence, with measurable impacts on public safety. Staff will provide a post-event report to the City Council on participation, firearms collected, and program effectiveness.
 

None

Minimal; gift card incentives estimated at $20,000

72 hours posted notice pursuant to the Ralph M. Brown Act.