Bedford Safe Campaign - Gun Violence Prevention

Safe Homes Image

The Bedford Safe Campaign is a collaborative gun violence prevention campaign sponsored by the Bedford Police Department, the Bedford Health Department and the Bedford Board of Health who are joining together to protect our children, youth and families from gun violence injury and death in homes. We strive to accomplish this through community education, outreach and prevention programming.

Upcoming Gun Buy Back Events - Providing residents with a safe and secure way of removing unwanted firearms from their homes

June 3, 2023, 9 am - 12 pm
Bedford DPW, 314 Great Road
Adults - Bring Unwanted/Unused Firearms
Receive a $100 Visa gift card

WHAT A SUCCESS!!!! - 35 firearms turned in!

June 10, 2023, 9 - 11 am
Bedford Police Department, 2 Mudge Way
Kids - Bring Toy Guns
Receive a Bedford Farms Ice Cream Voucher

Events are hosted by the Bedford Police and Health Departments, the Bedford Board of Health and the Middlesex Sheriff's Office with support from the Bedford Rotary, First Church Congregational, CHNA15 and Bedford Farms Ice Cream.

The Bedford Police Department and Middlesex Sheriff’s Office ask that the following steps be taken by anyone interested in disposing their firearms at the June 3rd event:

  • Residents are asked to provide advance notice to the Police Department of their intention to turn in a gun at this event (or any other time directly at the Police Department) by either emailing BedfordPolice@police.bedfordma.gov or calling 781-275-1212.

  • Please bring firearms unloaded with the safety engaged in a bag, box or case.

  • Leave the unloaded firearm inside the trunk of your vehicle upon arrival at the Bedford Public Works Yard located at 314 The Great Road.

Please note the following details for the event:

  • Receive a $100 Visa gift card for any firearm turned in.

  • BB guns/Airsoft guns and ammunition do not qualify for gift cards but can be turned in for disposal.

  • The Middlesex Sheriff’s Office and Massachusetts State Police will safely destroy all guns collected at the event.


Gun Violence Community Forum (March 1, 2023) - CLICK HERE to view recording

Gun Violence in America: community-driven approaches to this local and national crisis featuring Dr. Peter Masiakos, Co-Director of the Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Gun Violence Prevention.


Mental Health Resources

If you or someone you know is in crisis:

  • Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also chat with them online via their website, or text HOME to 741741 (multiple languages available). If this is an emergency, call 911. 

  • Call or text 833-773-2445 to reach the Massachusetts Behavioral Health Helpline for 24/7 for urgent care evaluation and connection to clinical services. They are also available at masshelpline.com
     

Town of Bedford Specific Mental Health and Social Services:

  • Mental Health Counseling Available at Bedford Town Center - Licensed Clinicians, through the Town’s contract with Eliot Community Human Services, are available for all Bedford residents, by appointment in the Youth and Family Services Office or Eliot’s Concord clinic. Eliot’s clinicians are trained to address a variety of mental health needs. To set up an appointment please call 781-275-7727.

  • The Town of Bedford Social Service Team is available to any Bedford resident, student of Bedford Public School, and/or anyone employed in the Town of Bedford. For a full listing of the services available visit our webpage detailing Bedford Specific Mental Health and Social Services.

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Gun Violence Risk Factors: Statistics and Research


Storage Best Practices

Kids are Safest when guns are stored outside the home

FREE Gun Safety Kits Available

FREE Gun Safety Kits consisting of a lock and safety instructions are currently available at the following Bedford locations:

Police Department, 2 Mudge Way

Health Department, Town Center Building, 12 Mudge Way 

Council on Aging, Town Center Building, 12 Mudge Way

Free Public Library (Circulation Desk), 7 Mudge Way                  


Safe Storage Guidance


Conversation Starters

What to do with Unwanted Firearms

Bedford's Unwanted Gun Buyback Program

The Bedford, MA Police Department has an ongoing gun buyback program. If you are a Bedford Resident and have firearms or ammunition that you want to get rid of, please call the Bedford Police Department at 781-275-1212 and tell them. The Police will come to your house to pick up unwanted items. Do not transport them to the police station yourself. A payment will be made to you if you wish. 


Massachusetts Laws and Guidance for Gun Ownership

Gun Ownership in Massachusetts - licensing, training, transporting and storage requirements

Massachusetts Firearms Laws - Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 140, §§ 121-131Q regulate firearm possession and licensing in the Commonwealth

Firearms Safety Resources- information on firearms safety courses that are required for all first time firearm license applicants and also helpful for keeping skills current

Firearm Safety Academy - Gun safety training for anyone interested in obtaining their Class A license to Carry (LTC) or Firearm Identification Card (FID).

Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) in Massachusetts - i.e. Red Flag Law