Every year the Lincoln Police Department responds to burglary reports where firearms have been stolen.  Some of these firearms have ended up in the hands of gang members in Chicago, Champaign, and other larger cities and in some cases used in violent crimes.

Often when the firearms are stolen they are not locked up, in a cabinet with a glass window, or otherwise easily accessible.   The Lincoln Police would like to urge our residents to please secure your firearms in a locked safe which is bolted or otherwise secured permanently in your residence.  You can still have easy access to your firearms in an emergency with biometric systems now for gun safes.  Having a good safe gives the gun owner the peace of mind that their firearm will not be stolen and used in a violent crime. The Lincoln Police would also suggest a lock on the gun instelf as shown to the left.  If you need a lock like this, please feel free to contact the Lincoln Police for a free lock (if available).

Also, in an effort to reduce the number of firearms that could be used for unlawful purposes the Lincoln Police Department offers a new Firearm Take Back Program.  If you cannot sell the firearm legally and you have a firearm in your home that may be from a family member or relative that passed away and you no longer want it in your home you can contact the Police Department and have an officer pick it up.  These firearms will be used for departmental purposes, disassembled, or otherwise destroyed.

Turn-In Process:

1) If you have a valid Firearms Owner Identification (FOID) card issued by the Illinois State Police you can bring the firearm unloaded to the Lincoln Police Department between 8AM and 4PM, Monday through Friday, to be released to a police officer.

2) Make sure the handguns are taped or sealed in a clear plastic bag and placed into another container.  Rifles and shotguns can be wrapped in a blanket.

3) Once you arrive at  the police department leave the guns in your vehicle.  For safety the officer will meet with you at your vehicle to accept the firearms.

4) All ammunition can be placed into another sealed bag.  Do not transport the ammunition with the firearm in the same bag.

If you do not have a valid FOID you must call the police department at 217-732-2151 to schedule a pickup.  You will be provided a receipt for the firearm(s) that you provide the police department.  We will hold the firearm for 90 days before it is disposed of.

Please consider surrendering any firearms in your possession that you no longer need or want.   This is not a buy back program.

This program is only for residents of the City of Lincoln.