The Saskatchewan Association of Chiefs of Police (SACP) would like to thank the citizens of Saskatchewan who participated in the province-wide amnesty program.
From March 21 to April 10, 2022, participating police services in Saskatchewan encouraged residents to surrender their unwanted firearms, replica firearms, and ammunition. During the time period, no charges were laid in relation to unauthorized possession or careless storage of these firearms.
“From hunting to sports, we recognize that firearms are part of Saskatchewan people’s lives,” says SACP Vice President and SPS Chief of Police Troy Cooper. “But we cannot forget that firearms can pose a danger when they are unwanted and not properly stored.”
During this period, a total of 241 unwanted firearms were turned into police services across Saskatchewan:
- Saskatoon Police Service – 81
- Regina Police Service – 48
- Saskatchewan RCMP – 79
- Moose Jaw Police Service – 11
- Prince Albert Police Service – 13
- Weyburn Police Service – 1
- Saskatchewan Environment Resource Management – 8
“Getting these firearms out of circulation is very useful,” says Saskatchewan RCMP Superintendent Honey Dwyer. “There are now 241 fewer opportunities for firearms to be stolen, and used in crimes by active criminals and gang members across the province.”
There was also over 14,000 rounds of ammunition surrendered.
While the amnesty period has officially ended, those wishing to surrender a firearm are still encouraged to contact police.
The SACP and participating Saskatchewan police services thank all those who called police to turn in their unwanted firearms throughout the amnesty period.
March 21, 2022 8:27 AM
Saskatchewan municipal police services, Saskatchewan RCMP and the Ministry of Environment are officially launching the 2022 Firearm Amnesty Program on March 21st. The program, sponsored by the Saskatchewan Association of Chiefs of Police (SACP), offers a proactive approach to the issue of gun violence in Saskatchewan.
The SACP Firearm Amnesty recognizes that our province has a long history and tradition of hunting, agricultural production and recreational marksmanship. Firearms are a necessary tool in these vocations and pursuits. The SACP distinguishes that legal, safe and responsible firearm ownership is the practice of most gun-owners in this province. The SACP Firearm Amnesty does not wish to have an adverse effect on responsible firearms owners. Instead, the SACP Firearm Amnesty is designed to lower the risk of violent offences involving firearms by safely collecting and disposing of unwanted firearms that may, otherwise fall into the hands of criminals through break & enters or accidental loss. Reducing the numbers of these firearms in our cities, towns and rural communities will have a positive impact on public safety. An example of an unwanted firearm would be a firearm inherited as part of an estate, but no longer wanted by the surviving relative. The Amnesty also extends to replica or imitation firearms, and any unwanted ammunition or parts of firearms.
Between March 21st and April 10th, 2022, residents of Saskatchewan are encouraged to contact their municipal police service, nearest RCMP detachment, or conservation office to arrange to surrender their unwanted firearms, replica firearms and/or ammunition. NOTE: Members of the public must not transport firearms to municipal services, detachments or conservation offices. Improper transportation of firearms presents a safety risk and can result in potential criminal implications. By pre-arrangement, police officers or conservation officers will attend to pick up unwanted firearms from the homes of residents who wish to surrender them. During the period of the SACP Firearm Amnesty, police will not pursue any charges in relation to the unauthorized possession of firearms surrendered as part of this initiative. Surrendered firearms will be checked by police to determine if they are involved in any ongoing investigations. Firearms will then be destroyed.
In addition to the Saskatchewan RCMP and the Ministry of the Environment, the following municipal police services will be participating; Saskatoon, Regina, Prince Albert, Moose Jaw, Estevan, Weyburn, File Hills First Nations, and Wilton. Local details regarding arrangements for drop-off and pick-up will be made public in each community.