One of the reasons the gun swap didnt work is b/c lot of youths in Oakland who pack or use guns don't even know what a "gun buyback" is. Secondly, the ppl who are getting news of the gun swap aren't even the ones OPD target and hope to participate. While my neighbor's daughter drove around looking for a house to rent I did my own survey less then a week after this last gun swap (being I was so mad myself about those out of town gun dealers getting over on OPD). I spoke to no more then 20 youngsters, corner drug dealers and 10 to 12 more I personally know w/ crimes under their belt (between 16-23 yrs. of age) and not one knew what the hell a gun swap w/ OPD was! Unbelievable. About a wk later I got a chance to speak to the kids I missed & by then word got around thru the kids I already spoke to. Some were furious when I showed them the article & explained citizens and gun sellers whom weren't from Oakland got the money, lol (mad b/c they felt it wasn't fair and only Oakland ppl should have gotten it) which is understandable. They gave me a few good and fair pointers on how OPD should do it which according to them may entice some to swap "real guns" popular in Oakland (Jenna I left a mess. on your voice mail. Forgot about it till I jus seen this article, sry). I'll contact others to relay the pointers. Anyway, like community outreach workers OPD has to figure out how to get word to the targeted communities in ""Oakland"" by way of ppl or community outreach workers whom already gained the community's trust, such as Cal Pep. Or put flyers up around 2,3 days in advance in hotspots w/ the most shootings and drug dealing. That way it leaves them little time to pull 459's on homes they know have guns, just to get the money. Most violent youths and wanna be's don't go to baseball games anymore once they have heart enough too pull the trigger or walk around strapped. Those types spend their free time tucked somewhere grinding or ducking n dodging their adversaries. Also it should be done at the end of the month. Just a peice of advice for those affiliated w/ this gun swap whom read the forums~