A gun amnesty period that began on Nov. 19 and originally was scheduled to last one month has been extended to the end of January, police announced Friday.
The extension, requested by community members including several pastors, is intended to accommodate those who still wish to turn in firearms and ammunition without fear of prosecution, according to a Police Information Office press release.
“The territory has arrived at that proverbial fork in the road,” acting Police Commissioner David Morris said, discussing the prevalence of crime in the territory. “We are still at a stage when we can make a decision for change. It is for the community to say ‘enough is enough.’”
Since the weapons amnesty began, police have received a loaded unlicensed 0.38 calibre revolver, a 0.45 calibre automatic handgun, a loaded magazine clip with seven rounds, and several more rounds of ammunition, the press release stated.
Governor Boyd McCleary supported the move.
“The firearm amnesty period provides a good opportunity for families to have open discussions and, in turn, hopefully, bring about the surrender of these illegal weapons,” Mr. McCleary said, according to the press release. “I would strongly encourage mothers, fathers, and other family members and friends to use this period to speak to those in possession of a firearm and persuade them to hand it in.”
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