SASKATOON - 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.
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