Mid-Hudson News is reporting 55 weapons, including 15 handguns and six assault-style weapons, were turned in to law enforcement at Beulah Baptist Church in Poughkeepsie on December 4. The weapons were exchanged for pre-paid debit cards through a gun buyback event sponsored by the Office of the Attorney General. A similar event in June resulted in 80 weapons being taken out of circulation. The program has been endorsed by Poughkeepsie Police Chief Tom Pape. He previously said, “Our city has been subjected to several instances of gun violence and our officers are appreciative of the attorney general’s efforts to take deadly weapons off the streets.” The program allows people to turn in any type of firearm without being questioned by police, and no ID is required. In exchange , the person receives a pre-paid debit card with a value based on the type of weapon surrendered, ranging from $25 to $250. Assault rifles are valued at $250, with handguns valued at $150, rifles and shotguns valued at $75, and non-working or antique firearms valued at $25. “The City of Poughkeepsie Police are working tirelessly to reduce gun violence, and this is one effective program,” said attorney general Letitia [Lah-TISH-ah] James. “The partnership between local law enforcement and the OAG (Office of the Attorney General) is working and I will provide any support necessary to aid programs that keep the community safe.” Read more in the Daily Freeman.