Houston Gun Violence
Houstons 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 (Mayors 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 Houstons gun buyback program is unlikely to be used by those who are most likely to commit gun violence. Nevertheless, Houstons 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.
Houstons gun buyback program is part of a wider initiative to reduce gun violencethat initiative is One Safe Houston, which is supported by $53 million in investment capital (Mayors Office Press Release, 2022). Alone, the buyback program probably would not put much of a...
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 problemand keeping youths out of gangs is where the focus should be. If youths do not have any other optionsas described abovethey 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…
