Now that the amended Firearms and Air Gun Act 2015 is enacted, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force is launching a firearm and prohibited weapons amnesty throughout July.
The RVIPF hopes the month-long campaign will encourage people to turn in illegal or prohibited weapons.
Commissioner of Police David Morris said under the new act penalties are stiffer for persons found in possession of an illegal weapon.
“With the introduction of this legislation persons who are illegally in possession of a firearm can be sentenced for a minimum term of five to 15 years,” Mr. Morris said. “Our aim, however, is not to incarcerate persons for lengthy sentences. Our goal is to rid the streets of illegal weapons. We are hoping for the cooperation of families, friends and community in successfully clearing our streets and homes of all illegal weapons. Hence, we are launching this amnesty to encourage persons to surrender their unlicensed or prohibited firearms before it is too late.”
Firearms or weapons can be handed over to any police station at any time during July and there will be no questions asked. For more information, call the RVIPF three digit access number 311.
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