🔫 Cayman Islands Police to launch National Gun Amnesty

The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) is set to launch a National Gun Amnesty in July, the first of its kind in six years. The initiative aims to reduce the number of illegal firearms on the streets of Cayman. Despite the police having seized over 130 firearms in the last seven years, there are still more than 90 known to have been used in various crimes that remain unaccounted for. This year alone, twelve guns have been seized and eight people have been arrested and charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm.🔫

From 1-31 July, individuals can surrender their weapons without fear of prosecution for unlicensed possession. However, once the amnesty period ends, anyone found in possession of an unlicensed gun, regardless of whether it has been used or intended for use in a crime, will face a minimum of ten years in prison if convicted. The police will collaborate with key partners and stakeholders to provide several options for people to hand over unlicensed guns and ammunition. The goal is to encourage those with access to, or knowledge of, illegal guns to help remove them from the streets and communities.🚔

The last amnesty in June 2018 resulted in the surrender of 18 firearms and nearly 900 rounds of ammunition. Other weapons, including a crossbow and flare guns, were also handed in. The amnesty provides a simple process for people who may unknowingly be in possession of a weapon or unsure of its legal status to hand it over to the police. The amnesty will be active daily in July from 7:00am to 7:00pm, with specific packaging and transportation instructions provided for those handing in guns.👮‍♂️