Mount Vernon police are working to make the city safer. 

A gun buyback program was held over the weekend at the Armory on 5th Avenue. 

Officials say people who turned in weapons received up to $150.

"The ultimate goal is to get guns and weapons off the streets and out of the hands of people who can use them in a legal manner or in bringing them to schools. Or bring them into the workplace,” said Police Commissioner Shawn Harris.

The mayor of Mount Vernon says statistics show shootings are down 50 percent.