Gun amnesty program gets underway in Saskatchewan

Police services across Saskatchewan are looking for unwanted guns.

The Saskatchewan Association of Chiefs of Police (SACP) launched the 2022 Firearm Amnesty Program on Monday to dispose of guns that people don’t want anymore.

“The SACP Firearm Amnesty does not wish to have an adverse effect on responsible firearms owners,” a media release said. “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 and enters or accidental loss.”

Until April 10, people can contact their municipal police service, nearest RCMP detachment or nearest conservation office to arrange to give up unwanted firearms, replica firearms and/or ammunition. Police officers or conservation officers then will go to the person’s house to pick up the guns.

During the amnesty, police won’t charge anyone in relation to the unauthorized possession of the guns. The firearms will be checked by police to determine if they’re involved in any ongoing investigations before being destroyed.

The Saskatchewan RCMP, the Ministry of the Environment and the police services in Saskatoon, Regina, Prince Albert, Moose Jaw, Estevan, Weyburn, File Hills First Nations and Wilton will be participating. Those organizations are to release details on how to arrange for pickups.