THOMASVILLE — If something can be broke and described as successful, the description fits Thomasville Police Department’s gun buy back project.

The buy back began when police and the community joined forces to address recent gun violence, including a fatal shooting.

Police Chief Troy Rich allocated $1,000 for the buy back effort. In seven days, $1,600 was spent on gift cards given to people who turn in firearms.

For handguns, a $50 VISA gift card is given, a $100 card for a rifle/shotgun and a $150 card for an assault rifle.

As of Tuesday morning, nine handguns had been turned in, along with 10 rifles/shotguns and one assault rifle.

Rich plans to continue the gun buy back project. He is open to private donations to fund the effort.

“We’ll take all the donations we can,” the chief said.

No questions are asked when someone surrenders a firearm, which is placed with other property recovered by police. National and state crime information centers will be contacted to determine if a surrendered firearm is stolen.

If the serial number has been removed, the gun is considered an illegal firearm and is destroyed. Police have not been able to find the serial number on one gun.

“I cannot confirm it was intentionally removed,” Rich said. “We are reviewing it.”

Rich said Georgia law requires police to sell surrendered firearms to a licensed gun dealer.

Anyone wanting to surrender a gun should go to the police department at 921 Smith Ave. Firearms should be left in vehicles. A police officer will inspect the guns.

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820