Waterloo Regional Police hold first ever gun amnesty

Waterloo Regional Police islaunching its first firearms and weapons amnesty program, starting on November 1st.

For one month only, residents can contact police and arrange for an officer to pick up an unwanted weapon at their home. Police said people should not bring the weapon to the station, as it could create a dangerous situation.

We dont want people carrying firearms in the open," Sgt. Andy Harrington told CBC News.Anyone approaching a police station with a firearm or prohibited weapons that may be visible creates an obvious safety concern."

People who participate in the program will have amnesty from any possession related charges. However, if police come across somethingsuspicious, like a handgun with the serial number burnished off, officers will investigate and criminal charges could be laid.

[Charges could result] if that firearm was used in a criminal offense, or that firearm is determined to have been stolen, or that firearm could be determined to be in any type of variety of offenses, said Harrington.

If aweapon is not deemed suspicious, the Evidence Management Branch of the police force willeither melt it or safely discard it so that it is no longer functional.

Waterloo Regional police said people could have a variety of reasons for turning weapons in. People may have inherited weapons from a recently deceased family member; others may have let their gun licenses expire; and others may suspect the weapon was stolen or used in criminal activity.

Were hoping to remove as many unlawful firearms and prohibited weapons from the community as possible, so they dont fall into the wrong hands during other offenses,Harrington said.

Police are also accepting imitation firearms, replicas, air-soft rifles and pellet guns.

Information about prohibited weapons will be posted on the Waterloo Regional Police Service website.