Back to SearchMessage from Chief Betts
RE: Federal Assault Style Federal Compensation Program (ASFCP)
After careful consideration and review of the information currently available, an operational decision has been made that at this time the Peterborough Police Service will not be an active participant in the Federal Assault Style Federal Compensation Program (ASFCP). This means, we will not be deploying officers or resources to actively seek out those with firearms that fall within the scope of this program. The Police Service Board is aware of this decision, and a report will be presented to the Board at its next Board meeting in February 2026.
The federal government has been clear, “participation to obtain compensation through the ASFCP is voluntary, compliance with the law is not, therefore, all owners who do not participate in the program must dispose of or permanently deactivate their prohibited firearms and devices before the amnesty period ends on October 30, 2026.”
We remain committed to public safety and to reducing firearm-related harm in our community; however, there are significant gaps within the ASFCP program, including insufficient clarity around the details and expectations of the program, such as the logistics of operationalizing such a program including the expectations of police services to safely engage with this program.
While the ASFCP may help reduce the availability of domestically sourced prohibited firearms, our current priorities related to firearms investigations are focused on those who use firearms in the commission of a criminal offence, irrespective of whether they are legally or illegally owned: stated otherwise, if a person commits a criminal offence in our community, and uses a firearm in the commission of that offence, we will bring the full weight of our resources to bear to ensure that person is brought before the courts to answer for their actions.
The Peterborough Police Service has long-established procedures for investigations involving firearms, including how to respond to those who wish to turn firearms over for destruction, and our police service remains focused on disrupting criminal networks and preventing crime by deploying our limited resources where they will have the greatest and most immediate impact on public safety. We recognize the federal government’s commitment to addressing gun violence and will continue working with them and the Province of Ontario, to disrupt and combat such activities in our community.
On January 19, 2026, the Public Safety Canada portal opened for individuals who wish to declare their firearms for possible compensation under the ASFCP. To determine the approach being undertaken in their respective community, Canadians are invited to consult the Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program web page and to direct any questions they may have via the Public Safety Canada Help Centre at 1-833-759-4551.
Sandra Dueck
Manager, Strategic Communication Services
Peterborough Police Service
sdueck@peterborough.ca
705-876-1122 x217
How to report a crime:
There are several ways to report a crime to the Peterborough Police Service.
- Emergency call 9-1-1
- Non-emergency call 705-876-1122 x225
- Online through the official Online Reporting Portal at www.peterboroughpolice.com/online-reporting where you can also upload photos and/or video.
Or you can report anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or www.stopcrimehere.ca
Learn more about what is happening in your community through the Community Safety Map.
Follow the Peterborough Police Service on Facebook and Instagram.
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