Metropolitan Police Chief Cathy L. Lanier announced today that a Gun Amnesty Program will be in effect from 8 am to 4 pm on Saturday, December 29, 2007. The Gun Amnesty Program is part of the Metropolitan Police Department’s commitment to reducing gun violence in the District, and is an opportunity for people to turn in their weapons to authorities without fear of prosecution.

The program is open only to residents of the District of Columbia or one of the following jurisdictions: Prince George’s County, Md.; Montgomery County, Md.; Arlington County, Va.; or Alexandria, Va.

No payments will be made to gun dealers. If gun dealers bring in weapons, they will be taken, but no payments will be provided. Identification will not be required to participate. Only weapons in working order will receive payment. People turning in weapons will be granted amnesty from any gun possession charges that might apply.

The following payment scale shall be followed:

Assault type rifle, automatic/semi-automatic pistol	$100
Revolvers	$50
Derringers	$50
Shot guns	$50
Rifles	$50
Air/BB/pellet guns	$10

Participating locations include Shiloh Baptist Church, 1510 9th Street, NW; Johnson Memorial Baptist Church, 800 Ridge Road, SE; and Union Temple Baptist Church, 1225 W Street, SE.