United States
Nearly 700 Guns from Brooklyn Buyback will be Melted into Coathangers
NY1 TV News (News York)
21 July 2008
City officials are calling Brooklyn's gun buy-back program a success. A joint program between a group of Brooklyn pastors and the Brooklyn district attorney netted almost 700 guns. The event allowed people who owned illegal guns to drop them off at six churches in exchange for a $200 debit card, no questions asked. Twenty dollar bank cards were given for B.B. guns and air pistols. Overall, 697 illegal and functioning... ( gunpolicy.org )
United States
Swapping Guns for Cash, at Church: New Yorkers Give Up Their Weapons
New York Times
20 July 2008
There was a time, in the 1970s and '80s that handguns were so coveted on the streets of Kings County, that the borough gave rise to a law enforcement legend known as the Brooklyn Bounce. If you were to throw a gun from a window in Bay Ridge or Bushwick, so the legend went, it would be eagerly grabbed before it had a chance to bounce more than once. Over the last decade or so, violent crime has dropped in Brooklyn, as it has in the... ( gunpolicy.org )
United States
Mayor Asks Chicago Businesses to Raise $1million for City Gun Buyback
Chicago Sun-Times
17 July 2008
Mayor Daley wants to raise $1 million to buy back guns and remove them from Chicago streets, but the latest in a string of corporate fund-raisers got off to a slow start. Sources said former Board of Education President Michael Scott was asked to co-sign a wave of fund-raising letters and make fund-raising phone calls after the initial response was lukewarm from a business community that's also being called upon to bankroll Chicago's... ( gunpolicy.org )
United States
Brooklyn Pastors, NYPD Pay $200 for Each Illegal Weapon in Gun Buyback
NY1 TV News (New York)
16 July 2008
A group of Brooklyn pastors joined forces with the NYPD and the Brooklyn district attorney's office Wednesday to get guns off the streets. Police Commissioner Ray Kelly and Brooklyn District Attorney Charles Hynes announced a one-day gun buy-back initiative for Saturday, July 19. Gun owners who possess illegal, functional guns can drop off the weapons at one of six Brooklyn churches in exchange for a $200 bank card. Hynes... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea Tells UN of 'Radical Action Plan' to Curb Illegal Guns
Pacific Magazine
14 July 2008
PORT MORESBY -- Papua New Guinea Internal Security Minister Sani Rambi will announce an executable plan to deal with illegal guns when he returns from a four-day international forum on gun control in New York. Rambi told Pacific Magazine said his delegation is comprised of PNG Police Commissioner Gari Baki and other government officials. They left Port Moresby yesterday morning to attend the Biennial Meeting of States on Small Arms... ( gunpolicy.org )
Tanzania
Success of Gun Amnesty 'Good News Indeed' for Arusha, Tanzania
Citizen (Dar es Salaam), Editorial
14 July 2008
Police in Arusha Region say they have recovered over 20 illegally owned firearms in the past fortnight, and this is good news indeed for a region that is grappling with high crime rates. It is worth noting that most of the guns were handed in by village leaders after they were surrendered by people who had been possessing them illegally. The recovery of the firearms should go a long way in reducing armed robberies and other forms... ( gunpolicy.org )
Angola
Government Announces Forcible Disarming of Civilians in Angola
Angola Press Agency
7 July 2008
LUANDA -- Angolan Government announced that coercive disarming of civilians in illegal possession of firearms started in the country on Friday, Angop learned in Luanda. The announcement that included an appeal for those still in possession of firearms to voluntarily hand them in and thus avoid punishment, came at the end of a meeting of the National Commission for Civilians Disarming headed by the prime minister, Fernando da Piedade... ( gunpolicy.org )
United States
Gun Buybacks May Fail in One Aim, But They Remain Vital in Phoenix
Arizona Republic, Editorial
29 June 2008
Look, a new gun-buyback program Phoenix will probably not result in any perceptible reduction in violent crime in the four south Phoenix neighborhoods where it's being held.If the buyback goes anything like the others across the country over the past decade, middle-age, law-abiding residents will turn in older guns, mostly revolvers, in return for $100 gift cards that can be used in any Bashas' or Food City stores. The AK-47 rifles... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
National Gun Buyback Planned to Curb Crime in Papua New Guinea
Radio New Zealand International (Pacific shortwave)
23 June 2008
The Papua New Guinea Police Minister, Sani Rambi, says his Government is planning a nationwide gun buyback scheme as part of efforts to reduce crime. He says too many illegal guns are in the hands of the wrong people. Mr Rambi told the Post Courier newspaper he is weighing up on the issue of time and cost to attack the root cause of an upsurge in organised crime. The paper quotes the Minister saying he is for the... ( gunpolicy.org )
Sudan
Govt to Record, Store Illegal Guns Seized from Civilians in South Sudan
BBC News
20 June 2008
Southern Sudanese authorities have begun a campaign to collect large quantities of weapons held by civilians following decades of civil war. South Sudan's Minister of Internal Affairs, Paul Mayom, said only a few guns had been handed in voluntarily and new measures were required. Disarmament had to be backed by the army and take place simultaneously across communities, he said. Sudan's north-south civil war cost... ( gunpolicy.org )
Sudan
More Killings Feared as Sudan Seizes Illegal Guns from Civilians
Afrol News (Norway)
20 June 2008
Southern Sudanese authorities have embarked on a massive campaign to disarm civilians in possession of weapons to end decades of civil war, which has killed hundreds of thousands in the country. The region's Internal Affairs Minister Paul Mayom said few guns had been handed in voluntarily, calling for a new army backed search for weapons, further promising that even communities nearby would also be disarmed to avoid bloodshed. ... ( gunpolicy.org )
Sudan
South Sudan Begins Mass Campaign to Confiscate Civilian Guns
Reuters
20 June 2008
JUBA, Sudan -- South Sudanese authorities have begun to collect thousands of guns amassed by civilians during decades of war to try to end tribal conflicts which claim dozens of lives each year, officials said. Since a 2005 north-south peace deal ended Africa's longest civil war, efforts by the semi-autonomous southern government to disarm civilians have claimed an estimated 1,500 lives because they took weapons from some tribes... ( gunpolicy.org )
Angola
Citizens Voluntarily Hand Over 787 Guns Prior to 'Coercive Phase' in Angola
Angola Press Agency (Luanda)
3 June 2008
SAURIMO -- About 787 firearms were handed over voluntarily, by citizens illegally owning them, to the National Police in the north-east Lunda Sul province since the beginning of the disarming process last April. According to the spokesperson of the provincial command of the Police in Lunda Sul, told ANGOP this Tuesday that the weapons were handed over in the districts of Saurimo with 440, Muconda with 136, Cacolo with 107 and Dala... ( gunpolicy.org )
Canada
Canada's 'Shameless Pandering to Gun Lobby' Puts Public at Risk
Windsor Star (Ontario), Opinion
28 May 2008
As Monday's Windsor Star editorial noted (Long guns: An amnesty of convenience), the Harper government recently extended its amnesty for long gun owners who haven't obtained or renewed licences and haven't registered their guns. So those who thumb their noses at the law have been given a free pass for another year. It's hard to know which is more offensive: the government's shameless pandering to the gun lobby at the expense of public safety,... ( gunpolicy.org )
United States
Chicago Mayor Backs Gun Amnesty Proposed by Forgetful Colleague
Chicago Sun-Times
21 May 2008
Mayor Daley said today he's all for the idea of temporarily re-opening gun registration in Chicago -- not as a favor to Ald. Richard Mell (33rd), but to get a realistic handle on the number of guns in Chicago. A former hunter, Mell is proposing a one-month amnesty after he forgot to re-register his arsenal of shotguns, rifles and pistols as required every year by the ordinance he helped to pass. During the month-long window,... ( gunpolicy.org )
Solomon Islands
Solomon Islands Gun Owners Demand Compensation for 2003 Confiscation
Solomon Star (Honiara)
19 May 2008
Licensed gun holders say the Government must compensate them for the removal of their weapons in 2003. Hundreds of gun owners surrendered their weapons after RAMSI asked them to do that. This was part of the disarmament process RAMSI executed immediately after its arrival. But spokesman Martin Obasia said the Government must compensate them for removing their guns. He said they purchase their licences... ( gunpolicy.org )
Angola
Gun Amnesty Collects 1,654 Illegal Firearms for Destruction in Angola
Angola Press Agency (Luanda)
15 May 2008
UIGE -- Some 1,654 fire-arms of various types were handed over voluntarily, by citizens owning them illegally, to the National Police in the northern Uige Province, from April up to the present date, said Thursday the province's deputy governor for organisation and technical services, Miguel Cutoca. Speaking to ANGOP, Miguel Cutoca, who is also coordinator of the provincial commission for disarmament, said that during this period... ( gunpolicy.org )
Canada
Canadian Tories Extend Gun Amnesty, Waste Millions More on Gun Registry
National Post (Toronto) / Canwest News
14 May 2008
OTTAWA -- The Harper government has extended the two-year-old amnesty that protects firearms owners from prosecution if they fail to register their rifles and shotguns. Cabinet approved a directive last Thursday that extends the amnesty to May, 2009, virtually guaranteeing the Conservatives will not have to risk defeat of a bill scrapping the controversial registry before the next federal election. The move prompted angry... ( gunpolicy.org )
Solomon Islands
Solomons Government to Meet Compensation Claims from Gun Owners
Radio New Zealand International (Pacific shortwave)
14 May 2008
The Solomon Islands government says it will decide on compensation claims by legal firearms owners who surrendered weapons during the disarmament campaign in 2003. When the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) intervened after years of armed social unrest, the ruling government then ordered a nationwide disarmament of both legal and illegal firearms holders. The Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua has confirmed... ( gunpolicy.org )
Kazakhstan
Unregistered Rifles, Pistols Collected in North Kazakhstan Gun Buyback
BBC Monitoring Service (Astana) / Kazinform
11 May 2008
During a campaign to voluntarily hand in unregistered rifles, pistols and explosives to police in [Kazakhstan's northern] Pavlodar Region, people brought 611 weapons, a Kazinform [news agency] correspondent has reported. Police valued the arsenal at 3.79m tenge [over 30,000 dollars], Maskhat Yeshmuratov, deputy head of the public security directorate of the [regional] interior affairs department, said. The explosives, which were... ( gunpolicy.org )
Jamaica, Brazil
Brazil Youth, Gun Focus May Hold Answer to Jamaica's Gun Crime Problem
Jamaica Gleaner
7 May 2008
A multidimensional strategy including a strong emphasis on improved police-community relations has been credited for Brazil's success in curbing crime in its second largest city. The anti-crime push -- which is also hinged on rehabilitating troubled youths and seizing guns from the streets -- has been critical to Cesar Rubem battling lawlessness in his native Rio de Janeiro. "Our work has tried to look at these three components... ( gunpolicy.org )
Canada
End of Canadian Long-gun Amnesty Could Mean Fines, Jail for Violators
Times & Transcript (New Brunswick)
24 April 2008
OTTAWA -- RCMP say if the government allows an amnesty on rifle and shotgun ownership to expire, police will have no choice but to fine or jail unregistered long-gun owners. The temporary reprieve ends May 16. "We follow the rule of law," said Sgt. Derek Strong. "If there's an amnesty, we follow that. With the lack of an amnesty, it's business as usual." A summary conviction for a first-time offender who fails... ( gunpolicy.org )
Canada, United States
London, Ontario Police Say Most Crime Guns Come from Canada, Not USA
London Free Press (Ontario)
15 April 2008
One of the world's largest arms merchants is funding a new program to get illegal guns off London's streets. Meanwhile, Londoners are again urged to take advantage of a federal amnesty for handing over unregistered guns. General Dynamics Land Systems, maker of military vehicles, helped launch a new "cash for guns" Crime Stoppers program with city police. "London is our home -- it's where we live, work and raise... ( gunpolicy.org )
Angola
Another 668 Civilian Guns Voluntarily Surrendered for Destruction In Angola
Angola Press Agency (Luanda)
14 April 2008
LUBANGO -- Six hundred and 68 firearms were handed over voluntarily by citizens, last March, to the command of the National Police in central Huíla province, in light of the process of disarming the civil population, underway in the country, ANGOP learnt from an official source. The assistant co-ordinator of the provincial sub-commission of disarmament, 1st superintendent Feliciano António explained at a press conference that... ( gunpolicy.org )
Canada
Canada's Tories Extend Amnesty for Gun Owners, Undermine Registry
Telegraph Journal (New Brunswick) / Canadaeast News
11 April 2008
OTTAWA -- The federal Conservatives have served notice that they intend to continue providing amnesty to long-gun owners whose rifles and shotguns are not registered. The reprieve hinges on a review of the current amnesty program, which expires May 16. Canadian firearm officers -- the administrators responsible for licences and authorizations in the provinces -- and RCMP are currently conducting the review. They... ( gunpolicy.org )
United States
Washington DC Scales Back Plan to Search Kids' Homes for Guns, Drugs
Washington Post
4 April 2008
D.C. police have scaled back plans to go door-to-door asking residents in high-crime neighborhoods whether officers can search their homes for guns as part of a new amnesty program aimed at getting weapons off the streets. The Safe Homes program instead will be offered by appointment only at residents' request, said Chief Cathy L. Lanier. The program was supposed to begin last month but was delayed after a backlash from... ( gunpolicy.org )
Iraq
Cash Reward Offered to Baghdad Fighters Who Give Up Their Guns
Los Angeles Times
29 March 2008
BAGHDAD -- Prime Minister Nouri Maliki on Friday extended a deadline for fighters to disarm after nobody responded, and U.S. forces were pulled deeper into the showdown between Iraqi security forces and Shiite militiamen. The United States military said a Navy jet had strafed a mortar-launching position in the southern city of Basra with 20-millimeter cannon fire Thursday night, killing three "criminal militia members." It was the... ( gunpolicy.org )
Uganda
Ugandan Army Cancels Karamojong Gun Amnesty, Will Jail Firearm Owners
Monitor (Kampala)
25 March 2008
MOROTO -- The army will not grant any more amnesty to Karimojong warriors arrested with guns. According to the division commander, Brig. Patrick Kankiriho, any Karimojong warrior arrested with an illegal gun shall be court martialled immediately and sentenced to imprisonment. Under the UPDF amnesty -- any Karimojong warrior who voluntarily hands over a gun or is arrested with a gun during cordon and search operation, is to be set... ( gunpolicy.org )
Namibia
Illegal Guns 'Unacceptable' in Namibia: Government Plans to Tighten Law
Namibian (Windhoek)
20 March 2008
WINDHOEK -- With plans underway to change the country's Arms and Ammunition Act, officials from the Police and other relevant bodies spent some time last week in a consultative workshop to discuss the law's review. Deputy Minister of Safety and Security Gabes Shihepo said the steep rise in violent crimes emphasised the changing role of small arms and light weapons. "Namibia is experiencing a high degree of intensity of... ( gunpolicy.org )
United Kingdom, England & Wales
'Chaos, Gross Incompetence' Found in North Wales Police Gun Destruction
BBC News
19 March 2008
Serious failings in the handling of weapons given to North Wales Police by the public for safe disposal have been highlighted in an internal report. It said it was impossible to determine how many weapons had been destroyed and that there is no national policy on how the police should handle such weapons. The BBC has seen details of the report which was completed last year. The force said it regretted poor record... ( gunpolicy.org )
United States
Amid Little Evidence of Benefit, US Critics Assail 'Feel Good' Gun Buybacks
USA Today
17 March 2008
Gun buyback programs from Miami to the San Francisco Bay are coming under fire by critics who question whether the bucks are reducing the big bangs. "It's like trying to drain the Pacific with a bucket," says Alex Tabarrok, research director at the Independent Institute, a think tank in Oakland. "More guns are going to flow in." Tabarrok and others complain the programs are feel-good events that do not reduce gun crimes... ( gunpolicy.org )
United States
Washington Police Go Door-to-door, Asking to Search Kids' Rooms for Guns
Washington Post
13 March 2008
D.C. police are so eager to get guns out of the city that they're offering amnesty to people who allow officers to come into their homes and get the weapons. Mayor Adrian M. Fenty and Police Chief Cathy L. Lanier announced yesterday the Safe Homes Initiative, aimed at parents and guardians who know or suspect that their children or other relatives have guns. Under the deal, police target areas hit by violence and seek adults who... ( gunpolicy.org )
Philippines
Only 1 in 100 Unlicensed Gun Owners Observe Philippines Gun Amnesty
GMA News TV (Manila)
11 March 2008
MANILA, Philippines -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) has received 1,828 applications to have their unlicensed firearms registered -- a low number considering police estimates that there are some 110,000 loose firearms nationwide. Sr. Supt. Danilo Maligalig, Operations Management chief of the PNP Firearms and Explosive Division (FED), on Tuesday said they continue to appeal to other owners of unlicensed firearms to avail of... ( gunpolicy.org )
Angola
Angolan Government, NGOs Warn Civilians to Surrender Their Illegal Guns
Angola Press Agency (Luanda)
6 March 2008
LUANDA -- Every country, after going through an armed conflict, must proceed with the collection of weapons and ammunitions that are illegally under the possession of its citizens, as a means of guaranteeing stability and security of the population, as well as a reduction in crimes. The conclusion came from the International Workshop on the Disarmament of Citizens Illegally Owning Firearms, promoted from Tuesday to Wednesday by... ( gunpolicy.org )
Angola
Angolan Govt Will Disarm Civilians, Then Destroy or Recirculate Their Guns
Angola Press Agency (Luanda)
6 March 2008
LUANDA -- The programme of disarming of civilians in illegal possession of weapons will take four phases, which will help outline consistent plans for a successful operation. This was said Wednesday in Luanda by the Home minister, Roberto Leal Monteiro "Ngongo", while addressing the closing of the two-day workshop on disarming of civilians in unlawful possession of firearms. According to the minister, the first phase will... ( gunpolicy.org )
Canada
Canadian Liberals Accuse Tories of Killing Long Gun Registry by Stealth
CTV News (Toronto)
5 March 2008
The Liberals are accusing the Conservatives of allowing long gun owners to circumvent Canada's gun registry laws. They say the Tories are using "back door tactics" to again extend an amnesty for long guns. "This government's latest extension of the gun amnesty is killing gun control in this country by stealth," said Liberal Public Safety Critic Ujjal Dosanjh. Last November, the government reintroduced a bill to... ( gunpolicy.org )
United States
White Male Suburban Gun Owners Flock to Oakland to Sell Guns at Buyback
Contra Costa Times (California), Opinion
1 March 2008
Contrary to your criticism of state Sen. Don Perata's, "One Less Gun," gun buy-back program as bungling, I want to thank Perata for enlightening, albeit indirectly, many Oakland residents as to the source of crime guns in Oakland, Richmond and all of the U.S. I was at all three sites for the buy-back in the morning and spent the rest of the day at True Vine Church in West Oakland. There was universal bewilderment at all... ( gunpolicy.org )
Brazil
Brazil Gun Deaths Outpaced Births: Gun Buyback Saw 8% Homicide Drop
ISN Security Watch (Switzerland), Web Page
28 February 2008
Results from a recently released study that measured population growth and homicides in Brazil between 1996 and 2006 revealed that homicides dropped by eight percent between 2003 and 2006, a time period that overlaps with a nationwide gun buy-back program during which nearly 500,000 firearms were removed from circulation. Gun buy-back programs have met with mixed success in Latin America, but according to the study, authored by... ( gunpolicy.org )
United States
First in Line at California Gun Buyback Were Dealers 'Selling' for a Nice Profit
Oakland Tribune (California), Opinion
23 February 2008
On Feb. 9, Oakland police, led by state Sen. Don Perata, D-Oakland, offered to buy handguns and assault weapons for $250 each, "no questions asked, no ID required." The "One Less Gun" buyback program attracted so many eager sellers that the money quickly ran out, but instead of closing up shop, the police handed out IOUs good for a future buyback. The Oakland police are now stuck with a bill for $170,000. The buyback has been criticized... ( gunpolicy.org )
Tonga
Rising Number of Illegal Weapons, Shooting Spur Gun Amnesty in Tonga
Tonga Broadcasting Commission
20 February 2008
Illegal weapon holders are being given a chance to license or register their firearms and ammunition to the ministry of police. Police authorities are to grant an amnesty to unlawful firearm and ammunition which will come into force on Friday February 15th to 29th of this month. Assistant Police Commander says the recent shooting incident at Kolofo'ou and also the rising numbers of illegal weapons used to commit crime are... ( gunpolicy.org )
Ghana
Ghanaian Researcher Suggests Legalising Illicit Small Arms Production
Joy Online / Daily Graphic (Ghana)
14 February 2008
A Research Fellow at the Africa Security Dialogue and Research (ASDR),Mr Emmanuel Addo Sowatey, has reiterated the need for the legalisation of smallarms manufacturing in the country in order to minimise their illegal production, as well as track and control their movement. He said because the manufacture of small arms was illegal, many manufacturers had gone underground to produce the weapons which, invariably end up in the hands... ( gunpolicy.org )
United States
California Gun Buyback Nets 1,000 Assault Weapons, Handguns for Smelter
San Francisco Chronicle
10 February 2008
Soon after Oakland streets again exploded in violence, police collected more than 1,000 handguns and assault weapons Saturday in three no-questions-asked buyback events. State Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata, D-Oakland, who was carjacked at gunpoint Dec. 29 in North Oakland, was the first to surrender a gun. He gave police the handgun he bought 15 years ago after receiving death threats during his fight to ban assault weapons.... ( gunpolicy.org )
United States
Californians Line Up to Surrender Assault Weapons, Pistols in Gun Buyback
Mercury News (California)
10 February 2008
OAKLAND -- State Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata was the first among hundreds of people Saturday to turn in a gun, kicking off the "One Less Gun" voluntary gun buyback program. The event caused heavy traffic in east, west and central Oakland as people pulled up at buyback locations with trunk loads of assault weapons. Others stood in long lines that stretched for several city blocks, waiting to turn in handguns. ... ( gunpolicy.org )
United States
Oakland, California Gun Buyback Sends Hundreds of Weapons to Furnace
Oakland Tribune / AP
10 February 2008
OAKLAND, California -- Hundreds of guns are set to be melted down following an Oakland gun buyback held hours after two more victims died in a shooting in the violence-plagued city. The Saturday event organized by Democratic state Sen. Don Perata had enough funding to take in 300 guns for $250 a piece but ran out of money as people arrived to turn in trunkloads of assault weapons. Oakland police issued vouchers for guns... ( gunpolicy.org )
Barbados
Barbados Police Propose Firearm Amnesty to Tackle Upsurge in Gun Crime
Daily Nation (Barbados)
29 January 2008
People holding guns illegally may soon have a chance to hand them over to the police without fear of prosecution. It is one of the options the police are considering as they tackle an upsurge in gun crimes. Commissioner of Police Darwin Dottin disclosed this yesterday during a break in touring, with new Attorney-General Freundel Stuart, the temporary and new police facilities under construction in Crab Hill, St Lucy. ... ( gunpolicy.org )
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan Legislates for Gun, Ammunition Amnesty, Buyback, Destruction
BBC Monitoring Service / Interfax, Transcript
15 January 2008
The law on buying firearms, ammunition and explosives that are in illegal possession of population, if people voluntarily hand over these weapons, comes into force as of 1 January 2008, the head of the Kazakh Interior Ministry's press service, Bagdat Kozhakhmetov has said. "With the aim of ensuring public safety and preventing crimes committed with the use of firearms, the law stipulating buying firearms, ammunition and explosives... ( gunpolicy.org )
Argentina
Argentina Destroys 70,000 Guns Under Buyback, Civilian Disarmament Plan
Xinhua
27 December 2007
BUENOS AIRES -- The Argentine government has destroyed 70,000 guns collected from civilians as part of the National Voluntary Gun Handover Plan, local media reported Wednesday. Andres Meiszner, director of the National Arms Register with the justice ministry, said the plan offered up to 150 U.S. dollars per gun in reward and guaranteed the anonymity for those who handed over the guns, starting from July 10. He said that... ( gunpolicy.org )
Canada
Canadian Province Considers Metal Detectors to Keep Guns Out of Bars
Winnipeg Sun (Manitoba)
23 October 2007
While many nightclubs in Winnipeg already require patrons to pass through metal detectors, the provincial government is looking at the possibility of forcing certain types of bars to install the devices. Although security and serving staff must complete a mandatory provincial training course, nightclubs are not legally required to have metal detectors or any other specific security equipment, said Diana Soroka, spokeswoman for the... ( gunpolicy.org )
Chile
Chile to Tighten Gun Control Law, Owner Licensing, Sale of Ammunition
Xinhua
24 September 2007
Chile's Interior Minister Felipe Harboe on Sunday announced a new anti-crime package, aiming for strict supervision of illegal possession of guns. Harboe said the plan was a response to extreme violence seen in Santiago on Sept. 11, a national day of remembrance for the nation's 1973 coup. "We don't want an armed society in this country," he said. "What we saw on Sept. 11 is not the real Chile and it is not the Chile we... ( gunpolicy.org )
Guyana, Brazil, Venezuela
Illegal Gun Smuggling 'Rampant' Across Porous Guyana-Brazil Frontier
Stabroek News (Guyana)
2 September 2007
Illegal trafficking in arms and ammunition is rampant across the border between Guyana and Brazil, with one speedboat operator at Lethem telling this newspaper on Friday that he frequently transported men with weapons stashed in suitcases via the many illegal crossings over the Takutu River. The speedboat operator also told this newspaper that criminals in Brazil and Guyana would often trade drugs for guns, with the Guyanese mostly... ( gunpolicy.org )
Canada
Veteran Canadian Cop Arrested for Leaking, Trafficking Police Amnesty Guns
Calgary Herald (Alberta)
17 August 2007
Calgary police have laid criminal charges against an 18-year veteran of the service who allegedly bought 51 firearms that were supposed to be turned over and destroyed during last fall's provincial gun amnesty. Investigators arrested Const. Dean Pankewicz on Thursday and charged him with breach of trust, hazardous storage of a firearm, unauthorized possession of a firearm, trafficking firearms and possession for the purpose of trafficking.... ( gunpolicy.org )
Canada
Alberta Cop Charged with Gun Trafficking, Leaking Amnesty Guns to Dealer
Calgary Sun (Alberta)
16 August 2007
Five criminal charges have been laid against a veteran city cop after high-profile allegations of attempting to make deals for several guns during the 2006 Gun Amnesty Program. The charges laid today against Const. Dean Pankewicz follow a nearly seven-month criminal investigation and a recommendation by Alberta Justice after allegations of deals done for guns. The 18-year veteran faces charges of trafficking in firearms,... ( gunpolicy.org )
Australia
Firearms in Australia: a Parliamentary Library Guide to Electronic Resources
Parliamentary Library, Federal Parliament of Australia, Web Page
6 August 2007
Introduction On 28 April 1996, 35 people were killed and 18 others were wounded at Port Arthur in Tasmania by an assailant using a semi-automatic rifle. In response, The Australasian Police Ministers' Council convened a special meeting on 10 May 1996 and agreed to a national plan for the regulation of firearms -- the Nationwide Agreement on Firearms. This agreement banned self-loading rifles and self-loading and pump-action shotguns,... ( gunpolicy.org )
Yemen
Yemen Seizes 'Medium and Heavy Arms,' Licensed Owners Can Keep Guns
Yemen Times (Sana'a)
2 August 2007
SANA'A -- A security expedition was undertaken, last week, to collect heavy and medium arms, which are considered to pose one of the biggest threats to Yemen's security. Based on the strategy that aimed to collect arms and compensate their owners, Jihana souk of arms, 40 km from Sana'a, was closed during this expedition, according to 26 September newspaper. A source in the Ministry of Interior indicated that the strategic arms limitation... ( gunpolicy.org )
Yemen
Government Aims to Ban Firearm Sales, Close All Gun Shops in Yemen
IRIN (UN News)
8 July 2007
SANAA -- Following a 2 July suicide car bombing that killed seven Spanish tourists and two Yemenis in Marib, the government and activists are stepping up efforts to rid the country of weapons. But doing this, they say, is a difficult and complicated process that requires awareness efforts at all levels to prevent tribal violence and revenge killings. Abdul-Rahman al-Marwani, chairman of local NGO Dar al-Salaam Organisation to Combat... ( gunpolicy.org )
Uganda
Church Campaign Pushes Gun Amnesty, Destruction of Firearms in Uganda
New Vision (Kampala)
28 June 2007
KAMPALA -- The Justice Peace and Human Rights Commission of Arua Diocese has launched a six-month project to fight the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the district. The project officer, David Okello, said the programme funded by the German Technical Services, would encourage the voluntary return of illicit arms through awareness campaigns. He said they would also advocate for the proper use of arms held... ( gunpolicy.org )
Argentina
Argentina Launches National Firearm Buyback to Slow Rising Gun Violence
InterPress Service News Agency
15 June 2007
BUENOS AIRES -- With strong support from peace and disarmament groups and the families of shooting victims, the Argentine government launched a programme Friday that encourages people to voluntarily swap their legal or illegal firearms for cash. The disarmament campaign, similar to one that was carried out in Brazil in 2004, forms part of a comprehensive violence prevention policy, which includes stricter controls on both the legal... ( gunpolicy.org )
United States
800 Guns Recovered as Buffalo Residents Take Advantage of Gun Buyback
Buffalo News (New York)
5 June 2007
When Wayne Brown of Buffalo walked into the True Bethel Baptist Church lobby to turn in a gun about 11 a.m. Saturday, he figured the elderly women standing in line were waiting for church services. He soon realized they had hundreds of dollars worth of armed weaponry in their hands. Brown was impressed. By the end of the day, so were city officials who organized the "No Questions Asked" Gun Buyback Program, which recovered... ( gunpolicy.org )
Canada
Canadian Conservatives Stack the Deck Against Gun Control, Public Safety
Kitchener-Waterloo Record (Ontario), Editorial
29 May 2007
Stephen Harper's Conservatives have the right to seek advice from whomever they want, but they would be wise to seek broader counsel on a subject such as the long-gun registry. If they did this, they would find that many, many Canadians want the registry to be more efficient and less expensive but support the principle of a government-operated gun registry. In fact, many Canadians think public servants such as police officers should... ( gunpolicy.org )
Canada
Secretive Canadian Firearm Advisory Group Packed With Gun Buffs
Toronto Star (Ontario)
28 May 2007
OTTAWA -- The Conservative government's firearms advisory committee, appointed and operating in virtual secrecy, is made up almost entirely of pro-gun advocates opposed to the firearms registry. Its dozen members include a man who argued that more guns in the hands of students would have helped in the recent Virginia Tech massacre, in which 32 people were killed, and another shooting aficionado who described a weapon used in last... ( gunpolicy.org )
Canada
Canadian PM Should Crack Down on Gun Scofflaws, Not Pander to Them
Toronto Star (Ontario), Editorial
12 April 2007
Canada's gun laws are hardly burdensome. Gun owners have to be properly licensed and must register their handguns and "long" guns, such as rifles and shotguns. At the moment, Ottawa is even handing out licence renewals free. Even so, Prime Minister Stephen Harper's Conservatives have never met a gun law they would not like to soften. To that end, they introduced Bill C-21 in Parliament last year to kill the long-gun registry by... ( gunpolicy.org )
Canada
Thousands of Firearms Stolen from Canadian Gun Owners, Few Recovered
Vancouver Sun
16 February 2007
More than 2,300 firearms have been stolen from legal-gun owners in B.C. in the past eight years -- including military-style assault rifles such as the AK-47, according to records obtained by CanWest News Service. And only 99 of those missing firearms have been recovered by police -- meaning hundreds of weapons are still unaccounted for. Gun-registry data obtained by the Ottawa Citizen through the Access to Information Act... ( gunpolicy.org )
Somalia
Somali Gun Amnesty Fails, Government Aims to Seize Private Weapons
Los Angeles Times
5 January 2007
MOGADISHU, Somalia -- As Somalia's parliament prepared to convene for the first time since the transitional government took control of this capital last week, the prime minister vowed Thursday to begin seizing heavy weapons in Mogadishu, by force if necessary. Prime Minister Ali Mohammed Gedi predicted that the gun collection would go peacefully, however, saying the government had reached deals with major businesspeople and warlords... ( gunpolicy.org )
Canada
Firearm Violence in Toronto: Crime Guns Often Leaked from Lawful Owners
Toronto Star (Ontario)
3 January 2007
When Toronto criminals go shopping for guns, their weapons of choice are 9mm and .40 and .45 calibre handguns, new police statistics reveal. They're compact, easy to smuggle -- and particularly lethal when combined with a high-capacity magazine. A "semi-automatic that holds 15 rounds of ammunition" is much sought after in the criminal world, said Mike Press, a firearms specialist with the Toronto Police Service's gun and... ( gunpolicy.org )
United Kingdom
Jersey Residents Own 11,000 Guns: Islanders May Face Tighter Gun Laws
BBC News
7 December 2006
A firearms amnesty may be held in Jersey following a review of the island's gun laws. It follows concerns raised about how many guns are kept by private owners. More than 11,000 firearms are legally owned by islanders. The Home Affairs Department also said the type of guns that could be brought into Jersey was to be reviewed. All imported weapons need a licence. Rules for gun clubs could also be tightened up. ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
Gun Amnesty Crucial to Avoid Highlands Anarchy in PNG Elections
Post-Courier (Port Moresby), Editorial
1 December 2006
Election 2007 is approaching and is merely seven months away. The voting process from first-past-the-post method to the Limited Preferential Voting (LPV) system will surely frustrate many voters and candidates. Many people still do not know how the new voting process will be like, and will surely be confused in the coming polls. That will definitely flare commotion and anarchy in many centres right across the nation, if people thought... ( gunpolicy.org )
Canada
Gun Violence Scares Witnesses: Justice, Families Lose in Vancouver
Vancouver Province, Series
27 November 2006
Yulian Limantoro was a smart kid and a good son. But police and family say they'll never get justice if witnesses don't step forward to tell the truth about the night the UBC student died. Wiggy Limantoro wants to get a message through to one of his former students. It's best that we don't name the young man he's trying to reach. As Wiggy points out, he knows who he is. The Abbotsford reading instructor remembers... ( gunpolicy.org )
Philippines
Philippine Gun Dealers Ask for Leniency With Firearm Licence Renewals
Philippine Star
25 November 2006
An association of firearms dealers Thursday called on the government to exercise some leniency on the renewal of expired licenses instead of implementing a gun amnesty for unlicensed firearms. Neri Dionisio, president of the Association of Firearms and Ammunitions Dealers, said they are suggesting that the Philippine National Police implements an "administrative amnesty" for gun owners who have not renewed their licenses due to... ( gunpolicy.org )
Canada
Rocket Launcher, Machine Guns among 2,536 Guns Surrendered in Alberta
Edmonton Sun (Alberta)
18 November 2006
A rocket launcher, some AK-47s, a Second World War machine gun, and an artillery shell were among the most surprising hauls of last month's gun amnesty. A final tally has yet to be made, but the province says more than 2,536 guns and 243 unwanted weapons were turned in during the provincewide program aimed at getting guns off streets. The amnesty ran for the entire month of October, and encouraged people to turn over unwanted... ( gunpolicy.org )
Philippines
Philippine Gun Amnesty Relaxes Firearm Licensing, Registration Rules
Manila Standard
15 November 2006
Police authorities yesterday vowed to ease the processing of loose firearms under a proposed gun amnesty period. The proposed gun amnesty program, which is awaiting the approval of President Arroyo, will exempt the owners of loose firearms from the usual documents such as gun safety seminar, clearances (police, mayor and court) and neuro-psychiatric and drug tests. "They will only be required to produce proof of residency... ( gunpolicy.org )
Philippines
Philippine Gun Dealers Oppose Gun Controls, Amnesty for Loose Firearms
Philippine Daily Inquirer
1 November 2006
An organization of firearms dealers objected on Wednesday to the government's plan to grant amnesty to owners of loose firearms. In a statement sent to media, the Association of Firearms and Ammunition Dealers (AFAD) said the government's gun amnesty program would deprive the government of much-needed revenues "that should have otherwise been derived from duties and taxes had the guns been legally imported." "It encourages... ( gunpolicy.org )
Canada
Gun Amnesty Scandal as Canadian Police Find 30 Guns in Cop's Home
Calgary Sun (Alberta)
29 October 2006
A raid by Calgary police on the property of a fellow officer at the centre of a gun amnesty scandal has led to the seizure of dozens of firearms. The search warrant was executed Friday after police top brass launched an internal investigation into allegations a city cop has been buying firearms from residents wanting to give them up in the gun amnesty. Police public affairs manager Robert Palmer confirmed yesterday the... ( gunpolicy.org )
Canada
Canadian Cop Under Fire for Allegedly Buying, Selling Guns During Amnesty
Calgary Sun (Alberta)
26 October 2006
Calgary police are investigating one of their own after allegations a cop tasked with taking weapons off the street instead bought two firearms from a citizen to sell to a gun shop. Deputy Chief Jim Hornby said an internal investigation was launched on Thursday after cops received a complaint from a Calgary resident, claiming an off-duty officer bought two of the guns she wanted to turn over to the gun amnesty program. The... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
PNG Southern Highlands Gun Amnesty Should Be Extended, Say Police
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
24 October 2006
The newly appointed controller of the state of emergency in Southern Highlands Province wants the amnesty for illegal firearms extended for the third time. And this time ammunition and home-made firearms, must be surrendered. Assistant police commissioner Jeffery Vaki, has been in consultation with legal officers on the sorting a proposal for the extension which is expected within days. He said according to provisions under... ( gunpolicy.org )
Canada
Alberta Firearm Amnesty Follows Liberal Gun Control Lead in Tory Heartland
Edmonton Journal (Alberta), Editorial
29 September 2006
The firearms amnesty recently announced by Alberta Justice Minister Ron Stevens raises more questions than it answers. And in the minds of many law-abiding Alberta gun owners, it raises more suspicions about the true intentions of the leaderless and rudderless Alberta Tories. Considering this is the same government that took the federal Liberals to the Supreme Court not so many years ago in an attempt to overturn the hated long-gun... ( gunpolicy.org )
Canada
Firearm Amnesty Limits Guns Gangs Can Steal, Says Alberta Police Chief
Canadian Press
26 September 2006
CALGARY -- A gun amnesty program designed to get firearms out of Alberta homes could reduce gang violence over time, Calgary's top police officer says. "I do not expect gang members will turn in their weapons during this amnesty program and neither should you," Chief Jack Beaton said yesterday after the province announced Albertans who want to get rid of unwanted weapons and ammunition can do so without penalty next month. ... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
Leader in Violence-torn PNG Province Surrenders M-16 in Gun Amnesty
National (Port Moresby)
13 September 2006
A prominent leader from Mendi, Southern Highlands province, yesterday surrendered a high-powered firearm to security forces engaged in the state of emergency duties. The man surrendered his M-16 weapon and about 300 rounds of ammunitions to a senior police officer in Mendi yesterday. Deputy state of emergency controller and assistant police commissioner (Highlands) Raphael Huafolo told The National that the leader also... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
PNG Highlands Gun Amnesty Offers 'Dob In' Phone line for Tipsters
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
1 September 2006
Security forces in Southern Highlands Province expect to collect a lot of illegal firearms during the State of Emergency as the 30-day amnesty for firearms came into effect yesterday. Emergency controller Gari Baki could not disclose any numbers but he stressed that the issue of illegal firearms was sensitive in the province. Since the amnesty came into force yesterday, some people had responded by calling the toll free... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
Police Urge Papua New Guinea Politicians to Give Up Their Guns
Radio New Zealand International (Pacific shortwave)
31 August 2006
The police in Papua New Guinea say politicians must show leadership over a gun amnesty in the Southern Highlands province. The three week amnesty for the surrender of illegal firearms comes a month after a state of emergency was declared in the province. The highlands are notorious for illegal firearms which are used in tribal fights, highway robberies and to intimidate during elections. PNG's deputy police commissioner,... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
Gun Amnesty Launched in Tinderbox Papua New Guinea Province
Australian Associated Press
30 August 2006
A three-week amnesty for the surrender of illegal firearms in PNG's gun-ridden Southern Highlands province starts on Wednesday under a state of emergency in place there. PNG's Police Minister Alphonse Willie announced the amnesty in newspaper notices, calling for all illegal firearms to be surrendered within the set time and promising immunity from criminal prosecution if people did so. Prime Minister Michael Somare announced... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
Police, Soldiers Move In to Enforce PNG Southern Highlands Gun Amnesty
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
21 August 2006
Sixty police and PNG Defence Force soldiers were welcomed in Southern Highlands Province's Nipa District on Saturday despite initial fears of trouble orchestrated by suspended governor Hami Yawari's supporters. The district is considered a stronghold of Governor Hami Yawari but Saturday's deployment was trouble-free and completes the mobilisation phase of the State of Emergency (SOE) operations. About 800 police, PNGDF... ( gunpolicy.org )
Argentina
Argentina Announces National Gun Amnesty, Cash Buy-back [Espanol]
La Nacion (Buenos Aires)
9 August 2006
[Translated summary: Argentina's president has announced a national plan to buy back and destroy firearms, and to reconsider gun laws. A 'vast majority' of Argentinians want to reduce gun ownership]. Anunciará hoy el Presidente un plan de desarme; lo debe aprobar el Congreso; incluye una amnistía y una campaña El gobierno de Néstor Kirchner anunciará hoy, a las 18, en la Casa Rosada, un programa nacional de desarme... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea Govt Pins Hopes on Voluntary Handover of Guns
Radio New Zealand International (Pacific shortwave)
8 August 2006
The Papua New Guinea government is hoping that hundreds of guns, held by the community in Southern Highlands Province, will be surrendered in an amnesty. Last week, the government replaced the province's administration in an effort to restore public services and end graft. Hundreds of additional police and an army unit will be trying to recover an estimated 2,500 illegal weapons in the province in a three-month amnesty.... ( gunpolicy.org )
United Kingdom
London Gang Converted 'Harmless' Legal Guns, Armed the Underworld
BBC News
27 July 2006
Two men at the centre of the largest gun conversion racket ever uncovered by the Metropolitan Police's Operation Trident have been convicted at the Old Bailey. A third man at the same trial has also been convicted of possessing a prohibited weapon and ammunition. From the outside it was an unprepossessing little shop, selling camping supplies and military paraphernalia. But the shop, in Bethnal Green Road, east... ( gunpolicy.org )
Samoa
Samoa Parliament Passes Gun Amnesty Bill, Hears Call for Total Gun Ban
Radio New Zealand International (Pacific shortwave)
20 July 2006
Samoa's parliament has passed an urgent amendment bill establishing an amnesty period for the surrender of illegal firearms. The newly passed amendment will give power to the minister of police, to set up firearms amnesty periods. Police Minister, Tole'afoa Fa'afisi Apulu, says the first amnesty will start next month after the Head of State officially endorses the new bill. The amendment bill has prompted a call... ( gunpolicy.org )
Canada
Any Reputable Canadian Gun Dealer Will Accept Unregistered Firearms
Quesnel-Cariboo Observer (British Columbia)
16 July 2006
Some would rather see unregistered firearms taken to RCMP and destroyed, but Rempel Sales owner Larry Keis said another option is available. It's one not discussed by media or government much at all, Keis added. "Any reputable dealer will take a gun off someone hands," Keis said. At about 50-60 per cent of the gun's estimated value, Canadians with unregistered guns can take their weapons to dealers licensed by... ( gunpolicy.org )
Canada
Gun Amnesty Nets 3,300 Firearms, Rocket Launcher in British Columbia
Globe & Mail (Toronto)
7 July 2006
VANCOUVER -- The robbery took place on a rural road, about three kilometres outside of Chemainus, a town of 3,900 tucked in along the Trans-Canada Highway between Victoria and Nanaimo. The home is nestled along a residential stretch in the quiet, forested area, near a plant nursery and camping ground. Videos, a cellphone and a pickup truck were taken. But of particular concern, the RCMP said, was the theft of a... ( gunpolicy.org )
Kenya
North Rift Gun Seizure Program Presents Serious Problems for Kenya
Nation (Nairobi)
7 July 2006
NAIROBI -- The International Action Network on Small Arms estimates that at least 1,000 people die daily from gunshots across the world, including in cities like Nairobi where armed robberies have become common. About 2 million people have died since the UN first met in 2001 to discuss controlling the global small arms trade. Statistics also show that there are about 640 million guns in the world, with 59 per cent of the... ( gunpolicy.org )
China
Beijing Expands Gun Amnesty and Seizures, Home Made Guns 'Rampant'
China Daily
5 July 2006
Illegal firearms' owners in Beijing could be jailed for up to two years if they do not turn their weapons in by July 15, Beijing Public Security Bureau has announced. As part of a national crackdown on illegal guns launched last month, the bureau is urging the public to hand in firearms to police, including replica guns and airguns. Those who hand over weapons to police before the deadline will not be punished. Bureau... ( gunpolicy.org )
Canada
Vancouver Gun Owners Give Up 1,000 Guns, 196 Handguns for Destruction
Globe & Mail (Toronto)
29 June 2006
VANCOUVER -- When a widow in her 70s heard about the provincewide gun amnesty running this month, she was reminded of an unusual weapon her husband had stashed in the attic. After the couple bought their home in Burnaby in 1973, they were cleaning under their deck when "lo and behold they came upon this," Corporal Pierre Lemaitre said, displaying an army-green grenade and rocket launcher, about 60 centimetres long. Cpl.... ( gunpolicy.org )
Canada
British Columbia Gun Amnesty Nets 1,000 Guns, One Rocket Launcher
Canadian Press
28 June 2006
VANCOUVER -- More than 1,000 weapons -- and one rocket launcher -- have been turned over to the RCMP so far this month during a B.C. gun amnesty. The weapons include 72 registered handguns, 124 unregistered handguns, 72 unregistered semi-automatic rifles, 34 prohibited firearms and 224 other weapons, such as air pellet rifles. The Mounties say in addition to the firearms, they have collected more than 44,000 rounds of ammunition.... ( gunpolicy.org )
East Timor
In East Timor Violence, Popular President Makes Gun Amnesty a Priority
Sunday Telegraph (Sydney)
25 June 2006
At his home yesterday, East Timor's President Xanana Gusmao accepted weapons handed over by civilians. Mr Gusmao said he expected more people to turn in their arms as the political crisis dragged on. The popular president, embroiled in a stand-off with Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri over recent violence, was handed seven rifles by civilians. However, he declined to allow the civilians to be named or be photographed.... ( gunpolicy.org )
Canada
British Columbia Gun Amnesty Chases 90,000 Unregistered Firearms
CBC News
31 May 2006
The provincial government has launched a month-long campaign to get gun owners to turn in any unwanted weapons without fear of prosecution. Authorities says they would like to recover some of the estimated 90,000 rifles and handguns in B.C. that are not part of the national gun registry. Attorney General Wally Oppal said gun owners can avoid charges as long as their weapons haven't been used to commit a crime. "I... ( gunpolicy.org )
Canada
Canada's New Long-gun Amnesty Called 'Abuse of Parliament'
Globe & Mail (Toronto)
18 May 2006
OTTAWA -- The Conservative government announced plans to scrap the registry of rifles and shotguns, in a move that the government said will render records on 90 per cent of all guns that are now registered "obsolete," but reduce the registry's budget by only 12 per cent. Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day announced an immediate one-year amnesty so that owners of rifles and shotguns will not have to register them, and promised... ( gunpolicy.org )
Canada
Canada's Gun Registry Kneecapped by New Conservative Government
Edmonton Sun
17 May 2006
OTTAWA -- Without enough opposition support to scrap the gun registry, the Conservative government is knee-capping the program by giving amnesty to shotgun and rifle owners who failed to register their weapons and refunding fees for those who did comply. One day after auditor general Sheila Fraser revealed hidden cost overruns and sloppy database information, Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day introduced measures to weaken the... ( gunpolicy.org )
Canada
Canadian Gun Amnesties Are Shots in the Dark, Says Expert
Edmonton Journal (Alberta)
7 May 2006
EDMONTON -- Next month's firearms amnesty is one of the most concrete plans the new police chief has for the future, but it will be difficult to determine whether it's a success or a failure. As part of Chief Mike Boyd's 100-day plan to fight crime and improve the police service, people will have 30 days to turn in unregistered weapons without fear of being charged. Boyd told the police commission in April that getting... ( gunpolicy.org )
Australia
Australian PM Urges Renewed Assault on Handguns
Australian (Sydney)
27 April 2006
John Howard has issued a national call for further action on gun use as he prepares to address the tenth anniversary commemorative service for the 35 people killed in the Port Arthur massacre. Despite acknowledging a "marked improvement" since national gun laws were introduced in 1996, the Prime Minister said it was time for state governments to take a tough stance against the scourge of handguns. And he said there was... ( gunpolicy.org )
Australia
Police to Destroy 1,000 Weapons Taken in South Australian Gun Amnesty
ABC News (Australia)
31 March 2006
Police say they are pleased with the response to the latest firearm amnesty in South Australia, which ends today. More than 1,000 weapons have been handed in since the start of January. Police have collected several high-powered rifles, tranquilliser guns and semi-automatic weapons. Most will be crushed. Senior Sergeant Ian Caddy says police were happy with the response from gun-owners. "It's... ( gunpolicy.org )
South Africa
Gun Licence Wait Triggers Anger, Panic in South Africa
Daily News (South Africa)
30 March 2006
While police publicly destroyed thousands of firearms on Wednesday, furious gun owners said police were giving them the "runaround" when they tried to hand in firearms for destruction or have their gun licences renewed. Friday is the deadline for millions of panicky gun owners, who have already had a three-month extension of the deadline, to renew their firearm licences. Many have complained the process of renewing their licences... ( gunpolicy.org )
Canada
City Gun Amnesty Right on Target: Congratulations to the Community
Hamilton Spectator (Ontario)
11 March 2006
Congratulations to the community at large for delivering a sharp message to anyone who questioned Hamilton police for declaring a gun amnesty during March. The public has been voting with their feet on this one. Police phones have been ringing from the day the program began as city residents embraced the opportunity to safely get rid of a wide range of unwanted weapons that had ended up in their possession. Police officials,... ( gunpolicy.org )
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