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Mathew Chavez

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San Juan County Sheriff Concludes Investigation into Gun Buyback Programs

The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office has completed its inquiry into the legality of "gun buyback" programs, prompted by concerns raised by citizens regarding an event organized by 'New Mexicans to Prevent Gun Violence' (NMPGV) in partnership with the Farmington Police Department. Following the cancellation of the event, it was discovered that firearms collected by NMPGV were not properly destroyed according to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) regulations, raising questions about compliance with state statutes. The ATF deemed some of the weapons improperly destroyed based on photos from NMAGV gun buyback events.

The New Mexico Attorney General’s Office provided an opinion stating that non-profit groups could partner with law enforcement for gun buyback events without requiring background checks. However, events conducted without law enforcement may risk violating background check laws if consideration is provided in exchange for firearms without proper checks. Sheriff R. Shane Ferrari emphasized the importance of collaboration with law enforcement agencies and adherence to ATF standards to ensure the legality and safety of such events.

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Sheriff Ferrari's full letter to the community, letters from the Attorney General's Office, and ATF guidelines for firearms destruction can be found below:

• Letter to the Public
• How to Properly Destroy Firearms
• Gun Buy-Back without L.E. Letter
• Gun Buy-Back L.E. Letter 1.9.24