Why Gun Buyback Programs Fail

Houston Gun Violence

Houston’s gun buyback program, which was launched this year, has been lauded by some as a way to incentivize the reduction of gun violence in the city. Under the program, Houston residents can turn in their guns anonymously in exchange for up to $200 in gift cards (Mayor’s Office Press Release, 2022). However, as Serrano (2022) notes, some experts are skeptical about whether Houston's gun buyback program can really make a difference, as gun buybacks tend to have little impact on gun violence. They point out that most gun violence is committed with stolen guns, not legally owned guns. Moreover, they argue that Houston’s gun buyback program is unlikely to be used by those who are most likely to commit gun violence. Nevertheless, Houston’s gun buyback program remains popular among many residents who see it as a step in the right direction to curtail the gun violence that has plagued the city in recent years.

Houston’s gun buyback program is part of a wider initiative to reduce gun violence—that initiative is One Safe Houston, which is supported by $53 million in investment capital (Mayor’s Office Press Release, 2022). Alone, the buyback program probably would not put much of a reduction in the city’s gun violence; however, as part of a larger program that focuses on crisis intervention, youth outreach, and building community partnerships, it might be helpful in establishing a new climate and culture in the city (Mayor’s Office Press Release, 2022).

The problem with a buyback program by itself is that—as critics point out—criminals are unlikely to hand in their guns for a quick payout. The people likely to take advantage of the program are those who are already law abiding. Therefore, it does not really get to the heart of the matter. That is why other solutions are also important if the police and city are trying to change the climate of the community.

Other solutions to reducing gun violence in the community include youth outreach programs, which can include after school programs involving sports, tutoring, and apprenticeship. The main goal of such programs is to get youths off the streets and out of gangs: by giving them something productive to do with their time, it reduces the risk of teens turning to gangs for a place to go, which in turn reduces the risk of gun violence spreading. Fewer teens in gangs means less gang activity.

Another solution is to give youths more options in terms of labor. Incentivizing gun buybacks is somewhat superficial because it does not address people’s need for work; therefore, the money that is supporting the program could be better spent to open up economic opportunities for youths and foster a spirit of entrepreneurship. The money could be spent on giving people a background in business and letting them develop their own successful future.

Reducing gun violence in Houston depends upon everyone working together to create a new culture. That culture will not spring from a gun buyback program by itself. It will only come from schools, businesses, local leaders, police, psychiatrists, social workers, churches, and sports leagues coming together to give young people new opportunities to develop themselves and grow in a positive direction. To address gun violence, the city really needs to address the gang problem—and keeping youths out of gangs is where the focus should be. If youths do not have any other options—as described above—they are unlikely to be deterred from joining a gang. Therefore, all stakeholders in the city need to work together to create programs that can attract and help the youth.