CPD Offers Voluntary Safe Firearm Storage Program

The Cincinnati Police Department (CPD) is introducing a Safe Storage Program. This initiative allows firearm owners to temporarily store their firearms at a secure CPD location for up to six months. This out-of-home storage option can be particularly beneficial for individuals in crisis or at risk of suicide, those traveling and needing to secure their firearms, or when family and children are visiting.

Participating in the Safe Storage Program:

Participation is completely voluntary. Firearm owners wishing to participate must set up an appointment with the CPD property room by calling (513) 352-6480. At the appointment, owners must bring their unloaded firearm, a printed and signed Firearm Storage Agreement, Proof of Firearm Ownership, and a photo ID.

View the Firearm Storage Agreement here.

The Property Room is located at 801 Linn Street. Operating hours are Monday to Friday, 6 AM to 2 PM. Property Unit staff can be reached at (513) 352-6480 or by emailing [email protected].

Safely Transferring Your Firearm:

Firearms must be unloaded before transferring them to CPD. Upon receipt, CPD will discharge the firearm and check the casing against the National Integrated Ballistics Information Network (NIBIN) database. Additionally, the firearm will be queried through the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Ohio's Law Enforcement Automated Data System (LEADS).

While in Storage:

CPD will secure a firearm for three months initially. At the end of this period, CPD will contact the owner to determine if they wish to extend the storage for another three months. After six months, the owner must pick up the firearm from CPD's Court Property Unit.

Retrieving Your Firearm:

The firearm must be picked up by the owner within 7 days of the storage period ending. The owner must make an appointment with the CPD Property Room during available pick-up hours to retrieve the firearm. Walk-ins are not allowed. The property room can be reached at (513) 352-6480 or by email at [email protected]. Their hours are Monday to Friday, 6 AM to 2 PM.

Before returning the firearm, CPD will conduct a background check via the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) to ensure the owner is not under disability. If the owner is under disability, they may designate someone else to pick up the firearm.

Have any questions? Call 311 (or 513-765-1212 from outside city limits) to learn more about the program.