In brief: Jersey is launching a month-long firearms and dangerous weapons amnesty from 1 November, allowing islanders to surrender unregistered items without prosecution. Weapons will be collected by registered firearms dealers at no cost to the public, and a broader review of firearms law is also under way.
Hand It In, No Questions Asked
If you have ever glanced into the back of a cupboard and wondered what on earth to do with grandfather’s old service revolver, Jersey’s authorities have your answer. From 1 November, islanders have a full month to surrender unwanted firearms, ammunition and other dangerous weapons without any fear of prosecution, the BBC reports.
The amnesty is being led by Connétable Andy Jehan, head of the Comité des Connétables, who described it as “a safe opportunity to dispose of weapons islanders were no longer entitled to possess or wished to keep.” The scheme covers a notably broad range of items: not just firearms and ammunition, but also knives, axes, swords, spear guns, BB guns, bows and arrows, maces, pepper sprays, and antique or decorative weapons.
Crucially, the process has been designed to keep things orderly and safe. Anyone wishing to hand something in should phone 07797 818495 during November to arrange collection by a designated registered firearms dealer. Connétable Jehan was clear that people should not handle, carry or transport items unnecessarily, and stressed that weapons should not simply be brought along to a parish hall or police station unless specifically instructed to do so. The surrender and destruction of items is entirely free of charge to members of the public.
How Many Weapons Are We Talking About?
The scale of Jersey’s licensed firearms landscape may surprise some. A Freedom of Information response from the Government of Jersey, cited by the BBC, revealed that as of 11 June 2024 there were 1,162 active licences and 8,378 firearms and component parts on the island. That is a considerable number for a jurisdiction of Jersey’s size, and it underlines why a periodic amnesty and regulatory review makes practical sense.
The amnesty sits alongside a wider firearms review currently under way. Connétable Jehan explained that the review will introduce a new application form, an assessment of fees, and a reduction in the permitted air rifle pressure. Specifically, the change would prohibit owning or importing an air rifle above 12 lb of muzzle energy, which he noted is the standard pressure used in competitive air rifle clubs. The stated aim is to reduce risk while keeping the island’s legitimate shooting community fully operational.
What Islanders Need to Know
The key practical points for anyone considering taking part are straightforward:
- The amnesty runs throughout November.
- Call 07797 818495 to arrange a safe collection by a registered firearms dealer.
- Do not transport or handle the item unnecessarily before collection.
- Do not take items to a parish hall, police station or any other location unless specifically directed.
- There is no cost to the public for surrender and destruction.
Items accepted include firearms, ammunition, firearms parts, knives, bullets, axes, swords, spear guns, BB guns, bows and arrows, maces, pepper sprays, and antique or decorative weapons.
Source: BBC News
