April 12, 2023 10:11 AM
The 2023 Saskatchewan Association of Chiefs of Police Firearm Amnesty has wrapped up for another year. The program, which ran from March 20 to April 9, resulted in 268 firearms being surrendered to participating police agencies across the province. In addition to the firearms 4,762 rounds of ammunition were also turned in.
"We are encouraged by the number of provincial residents who chose to participate in this proactive program. While we recognize that firearms are a part of life in Saskatchewan, we cannot forget the threat posed should unwanted firearms fall into the hands of criminals," said SPS Acting Deputy Chief Cam McBride.
During the amnesty, residents were encouraged to turn in their unwanted or replica firearms and ammunition without fear of charges being laid for unauthorized possession or careless storage. Below are the total number of firearms seized by each agency:
Saskatoon Police Service - 114
Regina Police Service - 40
Saskatchewan RCMP - 81
Moose Jaw Police Service - 24
Weyburn Police Service - 3
Ministry of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety - 6
"Our top priority – and the top priority of all our provincial policing partners – is the safety and security of the people we serve. We want to thank all those who took the time to arrange for the pick-up of their unwanted and unused firearms. The potential for these firearms to be lost or stolen and end up in the hands of those who may use them in unlawful offences no longer exists," Saskatchewan RCMP Staff Sergeant Brian Udey said.
The SACP wishes to remind residents that, though the amnesty period has ended, those wishing to surrender a firearm are still encouraged to contact police.
The SACP and it's participating agencies wish to thank all those who called police and turned in their unwanted firearms during the program.
March 30, 2023 2:34 PM
Saskatchewan municipal police services, Saskatchewan RCMP, and the Ministry of Environment officially launched the 2023 Firearm Amnesty Program on March 20, 2023. Since then, 135 unwanted firearms and nearly 2,400 rounds of ammunition have been turned in province-wide.
Residents of Saskatchewan wishing to surrender their unwanted firearms, replicas, ammunition, or parts through the amnesty program can do so until April 9, 2023. During this time, no charges will be laid in relation to unauthorized possession or careless storage of these items. A sample photo is attached for distribution.
NOTE: Members of the public must not transport firearms to municipal services, detachments or conservation offices. 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.
Saskatchewan municipal police services, Saskatchewan RCMP and the Ministry of Environment will officially launch the 2023 Firearm Amnesty Program on March 20th. The program, sponsored by the Saskatchewan Association of Chiefs of Police (SACP), offers a proactive approach to the issue of gun violence in Saskatchewan. SACP Firearm Amnesty is not related to changes set out in the federal government’s May 2020 Order In Council or pending Bill C21 legislation.
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 20th and April 9th, 2023, 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.