In the past, the Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) has run month-long gun amnesty programs aimed at individuals who acquired firearms but no longer wished to take the necessary steps to become lawful owners. Examples include firearms inherited after the death of a family member, situations where someone’s firearm licence has lapsed, or cases where a person was asked to store a firearm they know is illegal.
While WRPS no longer designates a specific month for gun amnesty, individuals are welcome to surrender firearms and weapons for destruction at any time.
Limited Potential for Criminal Consequences
When surrendering firearms, individuals will be asked to provide basic personal information (name, date of birth, address, phone number, etc.) and sign a waiver. This waiver authorizes police to dispose of the firearm on behalf of the owner or person in lawful possession. Police must be reasonably satisfied that the person surrendering the firearm has the legal authority to do so. For example, a spouse who dislikes firearms cannot lawfully have police remove firearms belonging to their law-abiding partner.
It’s important to note that the amnesty is not intended as an investigative tool to gather information about individuals. Instead, it provides an opportunity for people to turn in guns or prohibited weapons without fear of being charged with possession-related offences. However, there’s an important distinction between possession offences and offences involving the use of a firearm.
What Will Police Accept?
- All weapons or ammunition individuals (not businesses) wish to dispose of
- Imitation firearms
- Prohibited knives, mace, pepper spray, or other prohibited weapons
- Ammunition or military ordnance
How to Surrender Firearms
- Call WRPS at 519-570-9777 and advise that you have firearms, ammunition, or weapons to surrender.
- Do not attend a police division in person with weapons without speaking to a peace officer first.
- A waiver form will need to be completed. You can find it here.