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Senators hear that Vermont State Police do not accept unwanted firearms for destruction; department to research disposal options
Summary
In a March 25 committee hearing, Lt. Col. Jim Whitcomb and Commissioner Jennifer Morrison said the Vermont State Police do not accept firearms for destruction and that no statewide surrender program was known to them; the department offered to research alternatives and provide guidance to the public.
Senator Wendy Harrison asked Department of Public Safety officials on March 25 how the state handles unwanted firearms that are not associated with crimes. Lieutenant Colonel Jim Whitcomb, deputy director of the Vermont State Police, said the agency has no program to accept firearms for destruction.
“The state police doesn't take in those weapons,” Whitcomb said. He repeated the point later: “The state police does not take in weapons for destruction.”
Whitcomb said the agency typically directs members of the public to federal firearms licensees (FFLs) and others who can assist with firearms transfers or sales. He told the committee he did not know of a statewide program that would take unwanted firearms for disposal. Commissioner Jennifer Morrison offered to follow up with research and provide senators with information about local options residents can use to surrender or safely dispose of firearms.
Senator Wendy Harrison mentioned a local organization, Swords to Plowshares, that accepts unwanted weapons in some contexts and converts some into tools; committee members noted that residents are often unsure of disposal options and may retain firearms because they do not know where to turn.
The department did not announce any new program during the hearing. Morrison said staff would look into available options and get back to senators with findings.
