The police chief in Chatham-Kent (CK) says his service is not taking part in the federal gun collection program because he thinks it targets law-abiding citizens.
Last week, CK police acknowledged the federal government's continued efforts to address gun violence. However, noted on Monday that local police resources will be better utilized on different police priorities and initiatives in CK that enhance public safety, such as focusing police efforts on repeat and violent offenders, drug addiction, and break-and-enters.
On Monday, CK Police Chief Kirk Earley told CK News Today the program isn't a priority in CK right now because there are so few smuggled and stolen guns in the community.
"It's rare that we find a stolen gun. It does happen, I'm not going to say it doesn't, but most of the law-abiding citizens have a proper PAL licence (Possession and Acquisition Licence), a proper firearms license, and they're [guns] stored properly," said the chief.
Chief Earley also cited concerns about the lack of clarity, scope, management, and enforcement expectations with the program.
"It seems as though we're not sure exactly on the whole scope and the accounting of the firearms involved. Like in Chatham-Kent, how are they tracking registered versus unregistered firearms? So, that's a bit of a concern," Earley noted.
Residents of Chatham-Kent can still participate in the program until the end of March.
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Those who take advantage of the program may be compensated, although it's not guaranteed, as all available funds will be dispersed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Anyone who doesn't take part will still have to properly dispose of any banned guns by October 30 or risk being charged with illegal possession of a prohibited firearm.
There are currently over 2,500 makes and models of assault-style firearms that have been banned since May 2020.
