The Gun Amnesty Program is a cooperative effort between local church leaders and city and county government officials providing individuals the opportunity to turn in illegal weapons to authorities. As part of its commitment to reducing gun violence in Schenectady, the Schenectady Police Department and the

Schenectady County District Attorneys Office have agreed to allow any member of the community to forfeit a firearm to the Police Department under the agreement of amnesty.

Beginning April 1, 2008 and continuing through May 31, 2008 anyone surrendering an unlicensed firearm consisting of a pistol, revolver, sawed-off shotgun or rifle at a designated collection area will receive immunity from prosecution for the charge of criminal possession of a weapon that could otherwise be brought for owning or possessing that weapon. This grant of immunity will not apply to any other crimes (i.e... murder, robbery, or assault) that may have been committed with the weapon before it was surrendered

to police custody.

In order to qualify for this immunity, the person surrendering the weapon must at the time of surrender produce a valid identification and be prepared to assist Schenectady Police Department personnel in documenting facts regarding the weapon surrendered.