Oct. 29, 2007 (MINNEAPOLIS) At the end of October, which is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Minneapolis Police Department is launching a new initiative in domestic violence prevention. A pilot gun surrender program, created in conjunction with the Hennepin County court system is the first of its kind in Minnesota.

Federal law requires any person who has been convicted of a domestic violence crime to surrender all firearms and/or ammunition. Yet, until now a simple process for people to comply with the law was not in place.

The Minneapolis Police will now have a quick and easy process to accept all firearms and ammunition from people who have been convicted of domestic violence crime. Beginning November 1, the Firearm Surrender Program will available to all residents of Minneapolis—people may turn in a firearm at any police precinct. 

To turn in a firearm and/or ammunition:

• Unload the firearm
• Put the firearm and ammunition in separate bags or containers
• Bring firearms and/or ammunition to any police precinct
• Tell the officer on duty that you are there to turn in a gun
• Do not remove the gun from its bag or box unless asked to do so

About 48 percent of homes in Minnesota have guns and research shows that many people with children do not store their guns securely. Gun surrender is always available to anyone who would like to get rid of an unwanted firearm—no questions asked. Families, especially those with children and teens, may want to take this opportunity to turn in their guns and make their home a safer place.

To find your nearest precinct, visit the Minneapolis Police Department Web site at http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/police/ and click on “Police Precinct Finder.”