Pixels for Pistols gun amnesty from October 7 – 20, 2013

(Ottawa) Pixels for Pistols – a gun amnesty program aimed at providing a way for residents to turn in unwanted guns – was launched today by the Ottawa Police, Henry’s, Olympus Cameras and the Government of Ontario.

“We welcome the support of our generous partners at Henry’s, Olympus and the Government of Ontario in ending gun violence by removing guns from places where they can fall into the wrong hands,” said Ottawa Police Chief Charles Bordeleau. “This program allows for unwanted guns to be handed in without fear of possession charges for improper licensing or storage.”

Here’s how Pixels for Pistols works:
The amnesty is open to residents of Ottawa only;
Firearm pickups will be 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.

“As a thank-you to the community we so proudly serve, the Pixels for Pistols program was initiated in 2008 to put an end to gun violence in Canadian cities,” said Henrys President, Ian
Landy. “This unique cameras-for-guns exchange program has been hugely successful in other Canadian cities like Toronto, Halifax and Winnipeg. We look forward to working with Ottawa Police on what is sure to be another successful campaign towards making cities safer, one gun at a time.”

“We are proud to be a partner of this gun amnesty,” said Senior Manager of Olympus Canada Inc, Paul Elliott. “It provides the opportunity to give people real value for their firearms. If they turn them in safely to the police, they will be safely disposed of.”

“The program has been very successful in other Canadian cities including Halifax, Toronto and Winnipeg,” added Ottawa Police Services Board Chair and Councillor Eli El-Chantiry. “I want to thank Henry’s the Government of Ontario and Olympus for their support.”

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.