Sheriff's Office to Accept Guns in Exchange for Gift Cards

By Gregory J. Ahern, Alameda County Sheriff-Coroner

Dear Alameda County Citizens and Business Operators:

Making the County of Alameda a safer place to live, work and attend school is a principle goal of the Alameda County Sheriff's Office. In partnership with the Deputy Sheriff's Activity League (DSAL) and Michael L. Emerson, a concerned Alameda County resident, my Agency will be hosting a gun exchange program in an effort to further this goal.

The gun exchange program will allow any adult to surrender an operable firearm in exchange for a gift card. The guns will be accepted on a "no questions asked" basis, and all guns surrendered under the program are ultimately destroyed. Simply stated, this means there will possibly be hundreds of guns removed from our community that could otherwise fall into the hands of criminals or gang members. These guns will never become the instrument of a tragic event where a child or other person is the victim of an accidental or intentional shooting.

The costs associated with gift cards redeemed for this program will be funded solely through private donations. Considering the importance of this program, I sincerely hope you are able to take this opportunity to enhance the safety and security of our community by becoming a sponsor and supporter of the gun exchange program.

The program is scheduled for June of 2012, and will be held at the Ashland Community Center located at 1530 167th Ave. in San Leandro. I ask that you join your fellow business leaders and citizens by making a much-needed contribution to this important endeavor. Your donation in support of this program to the Alameda County Deputy Sheriff's Activity League Inc. (Tax ID #83-0410537) could qualify as a tax deduction per 501C3 of the California Tax Code. Please make checks or commitment letters out to the "Alameda County DSAL."

Mr. Emerson is working diligently to facilitate contribution towards this program; he can be reached at 510-247-0777 when you are ready for us to accept your donation. Any assistance or donations that you or your business can provide for this cause would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance for your consideration in this matter. If you have any questions about the gun exchange program, please contact Lieutenant Colby Staysa at 510-667-3561.