Money for the buy-back of the guns comes from drug seizure money, Tripp said, and the amount received depends on the condition of the weapon. “No county dollars are being used.”

Tripp said the aim of the program is to keep guns out of the wrong hands. “In Halifax County we're dealing with gang-bangers on a daily basis along with gang-related murders and other unpleasantries which would include instances where violence with guns is used.”

This is not a gun confiscation program. “In no way are we attempting to confiscate guns from law-abiding citizens,” the sheriff said. “As your sheriff, I'm a proponent of our Second Amendment rights. My record shows that. If anyone has any concerns call me at 252-578-6761. We hope by doing this it is an example of being proactive instead of reactive.”

Davis said he sees the program as “a great way to get guns off the street,” and believes people will participate in the program. “I think they'll show up. Whether we get one or 100, it'll be a success. We're not trying to disarm citizens. It could be from people who no longer want a gun in their house or had a relative who passed away and the remaining family doesn't want guns in the house.”