Toronto Police, Olympus and Henry's launch 2013 "Pixels for Pistols" gun amnesty

Toronto Police Chief William Blair will launch the 2013 Gun Amnesty "Pixels for Pistols" program today. The Toronto Police Service, in partnership with Henry’s Camera, Olympus Canada, Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services, has created an opportunity for Torontonians to surrender firearms to the Toronto Police Service and receive an incentive gift from Henry’s and Olympus for doing so.

The Toronto Police Service believes that every gun taken off the street is one less gun that can be put into the hands of a criminal.

The 2013 Gun Amnesty will provide an opportunity for citizens to become involved and contribute to the safety of our city.

“We are thrilled that Pixels for Pistols has been embraced in cities across Canada since its launch in 2008, and look forward to a second very successful camera−for−guns amnesty in Toronto,” said Ian Landy, President and CEO of Henry’s.

"Olympus is proud to partner with the Toronto Police Service and Henry's to bring awareness to Pixels for Pistols. We are confident that our camera donation will not only help support a safer Toronto community, but educate local residents about this unique program as well as the joys of photography," said Stephanie Sherry, Director of Marketing Communications for Olympus.

“Taking guns off Ontario's streets helps us keep our province safe, and one of the best ways to do that is to engage with people at the community level and offer them alternatives to a life of crime. This is an innovative program run by the Toronto Police Service and their private partners, and we are proud to support it,” said Madeleine Meilleur, Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services.

"I encourage everyone to please tell your family, friends, neighbours and co−workers about this very important community safety initiative," said Councillor Jaye Robinson (Ward 25 Don Valley West), Chair of Toronto's Community Development and Recreation Committee. "Together, we can help to reduce violent crime in our communities."

"The Toronto Police Service has partnered with Henry's and Olympus Canada for Pistols for Pixels, a unique cameras−for−guns exchange program. This worthwhile crime prevention initiative provides an opportunity for the community to get involved in preventing crime. Public safety is a shared responsibility between the police and the community. We must work together to get guns off of our streets and to keep Toronto safe," said Chief William Blair.

If you are in possession of a firearm that you wish to surrender, you have the ability to complete a portion of a police report prior to the officer’s arrival at your home. Simply fill out the information on the form by clicking here and upon completion, click on “Continue” located at the bottom of the screen. The report, with the information you entered, will appear. You can then print the report and provide it to the police officer(s).

If you have questions in regards to completing the form, or about the Pixels for Pistols initiative in general, please contact Staff Sergeant Chris Boddy at chris.boddy.torontopolice.on.ca