Gun Safety Storage Program Could Save Lives

PALM SPRINGS —Firearms are the leading cause of death of children (1-19) in the United States. The Palm Springs Police Department has resources to help reduce these deaths.  The PSPD is set to launch the Pierce’s Pledge Gun Safety Storage Program, providing residents with a safe way to voluntarily surrender firearms for secure storage at the Department for up to 1 year at no cost.

The program is being brought to Palm Springs through work with Lesley Hu and Pierce’s Pledge, the organization founded in memory of Hu’s 9-year-old son, Pierce, who was killed by his father during a family law matter in San Francisco. The program is intended to help prevent similar tragedies by providing a secure option for firearm storage when circumstances at home change.

The Palm Springs Police Department is adopting the same program championed by the San Francisco Police Department, offering community members a practical option for when a firearm should be temporarily removed from the home.

The program is being announced as communities across the country mark the 12th year of National Gun Violence Awareness Day today, June 5, and events taking place throughout Wear Orange Weekend on June 6 and 7. The annual observance helps raise awareness about gun violence and highlights efforts aimed at preventing tragedy.

“We created Pierce’s Pledge to prevent the kind of tragedy our family endured,” said Lesley Hu, founder of Pierce’s Pledge. “Our partnership with law enforcement sends a powerful message that protecting children and families during volatile circumstances is a shared responsibility. This provides the community with a resource for storing firearms when a home situation changes or when the firearm should not remain in the home. Responsible gun ownership includes knowing when having the gun out of the house is safer than having it in.”

“The Palm Springs Police Department is proud to work with Lesley Hu and Pierce’s Pledge to bring this meaningful program to our community,” said Palm Springs Deputy Chief Kyle Stjerne. “Providing a secure option for voluntary firearm storage can help prevent tragedy and give families an important resource when circumstances at home change.”

Under the program, firearms voluntarily surrendered for storage will be securely maintained by the Palm Springs Police Department for up to one year. Prior to the one-year mark, the owner will be contacted with information on how to reclaim the firearm if they are legally eligible. If the owner does not wish to reclaim the firearm, they may also sell or transfer title to a federally licensed firearms dealer, provided the firearm is legal to own or possess, and the person has the legal right to transfer it.

The Police Department will present the program to the Palm Springs City Council during the meeting on June 10. Following the presentation, Lesley Hu and Deputy Chief Stjerne will be available to speak with media representatives.