Sept. 6, 2006 — In an effort to get guns off the islands' streets, the V.I. Police Department is urging residents to participate in its monthlong gun amnesty program organized by the VIPD Firearms Bureau.
The program, which has not been active since 2001, is headed by Officer Karen Stout, Firearms Bureau supervisor.
"I was being asked by residents if the program would happen again," said Stout, "so I decided to reinstate it." Stout said many gun owners with expired gun licenses have already taken advantage of the amnesty program.
Stout explained that during the amnesty period residents may bring their firearms into the bureau and get them licensed without major repercussions.
Amnesty also gives a break to residents who inherited a firearm. In this case, the firearm and a death certificate of the person who bequeathed the firearm need to be presented to have the fee waived. The firearm's history will be investigated and as long as it was not involved in a crime it may be registered in the new owner's name.
The process is similar in cases where the firearm has been acquired through other means. All firearms brought to the bureau are checked to see if they have been involved in a crime. If the weapon is suspected of having been involved in a crime but the person handing in the firearm was not directly involved in any criminal behavior, the weapon is confiscated and there is no further penalty.
Stout said weapons are sometimes brought in when individuals move to the Virgin Islands from the mainland and do not register their weapon in the territory. Sometimes discarded weapons are found by persons walking by, she said.
Stout reminds residents that V.I. law does not allow most residents to carry firearms on their person. She said a gun license is used for home protection, target shooting, business protection and law enforcement. She said there must be special conditions in order to carry firearm. "You need a letter from a judge stating your life is at risk or you are a business owner, gun dealer, gunsmith, or a retired law enforcement agent," Stout explained.
The process for getting your own licensed firearm is quite simple. The bureau has an application that must be completed, and four passport-sized photos need to be submitted with an applicant's file. "Every firearm registered to a resident is filed separately and we attach each picture to each file," Stout stated. In October the bureau plans to automate the licensing process, allowing applicants to simply file without needing any photos in advance.
To complete the application you will need your birth certificate, social security card, driver's license, two letters of recommendation and a personal letter explaining your need for a firearm. Business owners have to show their business license and four company deposit slips. Payment includes a $5 application fee, a $35 fingerprinting fee and a $9 background check fee. The Police Commissioner's stamp of approval is your final step.
"As long as you are not involved in any felonies, domestic violence, have any mental health issues, or have not been dishonorably discharged from the military, you can be issued a firearm in one to two weeks," said Stout.
Amnesty is also another way to encourage the community to become educated about firearm possession and its responsibilities. Stout warned all residents to be mindful of their firearms, keep them safe and out of anyone else's reach. "You can be held responsible if your firearm is involved in a crime," Stout explained, "so remember to keep it in a safe place."
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