226 Guns Turned In During First Week Of Amnesty

(Ottawa) One week into the Pixels for Pistols cameras-for-guns amnesty program, the Ottawa Police Service has collected 226 firearms.

46 hand guns

165 rifles/shotguns

15 air guns

These firearms were collected between October 7 and 13, 2013.

“We are very pleased with the level of participation to date,” said Staff Sergeant Mark Patterson, head of the Guns and Gangs Section, Ottawa Police. “We hope that these numbers encourage other residents, who may have unused or unwanted firearms, to call us so that we can safely dispose of them before they fall into the wrong hands.”

Here’s how Pixels for Pistols works:

The amnesty is open to residents of Ottawa only;
Firearm pickups is done by officers dedicated exclusively to the amnesty;
Firearms cannot be brought into any police facility or Henry’s location;
Residents wishing to surrender a firearm can call police at 613-236-1222, ext. 7300 or by emailing [email protected];
Once the firearms are tested to ensure they are not crime guns, a voucher for an Olympus VG-160 digital camera and a Henry’s School of Imaging Course, a total value of $175 will be sent by registered mail to the individual who turned in the gun (within 4 – 6 weeks);
Compensation will only be provided for operational firearms. However, the OPS will accept ammunition, pellet, air and replica firearms for safe disposal;

The amnesty provides limited immunity to certain possession offences and does not include any other offences that may be connected to a particular firearm or individual.

Although this amnesty provides limited immunity to certain possession offences it does not include any other offences that may be connected to a particular firearm or individual. Firearms suspected as guns used in crimes will be investigated thoroughly, including ballistics testing, serial number restoration and traces of the origin on the firearm.

“This program is an opportunity to get real value for your firearm, thanks to the generosity of Henry’s and Olympus and enables residents to take an active role in keeping our City safe,” added S/Sgt. Patterson. “We are looking forward to another busy week.”

The Pixels for Pistols cameras-for-guns exchange program was created by Henry’s in 2008. It has successfully run in Halifax, Toronto and Winnipeg. The Ottawa campaign runs from October 7 – 20, 2013.

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