The Firearms Bureau of the Virgin Islands Police Department has extended the gun amnesty program for Virgin Islands residents for an additional two weeks. The program, which was scheduled to expire on October 1st will now end on Friday, October 13, 2006. Gun amnesty is a part of the Police Department’s ongoing efforts to keep guns off the street.

St. Croix Firearms Bureau Supervisor, Karen Stout, says the program has been extended because of the positive response from the community. “To date, 30 firearms have been turned in on St. Croix, most of these by gun owners seeking to either renew their firearm licenses and to register with the VIPD,” Officer Stout says. Gun owners who licenses have expired are encouraged to come in and renew their licenses during this period.

During Gun Amnesty Month, individuals possessing an illegal firearm could turn it in to police without fear of repercussion. All guns turned over to the Firearms Bureau were checked for involvement in crimes. Police have determined that none of the recovered guns was involved in any crimes.

For more information on the Gun Amnesty Program, contact Karen Stout at 778-2211 extension 6058 or Athenia Brown, Supervisor of the St. Thomas Firearms Bureau at 774-2211 extension 5519.