Police investigate allegations officer bought amnesty guns

Calgary police have launched an internal investigation into allegations an off-duty police officer bought two guns meant for Alberta's gun amnesty program.

The complaint by the gun owner over the matter is being investigated, deputy chief Jim Hornby said Thursday night.

"If there is truth to the allegations we do view that very seriously and there will be significant action taken," he said.

Thewoman called the amnesty phone line about a week ago, asking for the pickup of two firearms, according to police.

Two officers arrived at her home, but did not take the weapons.On Saturday, one of the officers allegedlyreturned in civilian clothes and bought both firearms as a "private citizen," say police.

She lodged a complaintwith police on Wednesday.

Month-long program ends Tuesday

The October gun amnesty program is meant to give Albertans the chance to hand over illegal and unwanted firearms to police without facing charges.

Whenthe programwas announced, Calgary's chief of police, Jack Beaton, said guns gathering dust in people's basements can end up being used in a crime.

All the weapons turned in are supposed to be tested to see if they've been stolen or been involved in criminal activity.

If any guns are found to be historically significant they could be given to museums. The rest are to be destroyed.

Calgary police have collected more than 600 weapons since the gun amnesty started.

Police havereferred guns to auction

Linda Baggaley, who buys and sells weapons at Bud Haines Auctions in Red Deer, says it is not unusual for police to direct people to dealers when they phone the amnesty program.

"I had an incident where the police advised an elderly man to bring in a Luger semi-automatic pistol and we sold it for $1,600. And the man was very pleased. He had no idea what the firearm was worth, so that officer saw it was a bit of history, that it could go through a legal channel."