Officials In Stamford Discuss Bipartisan Safer Communities Act

STAMFORD, CT — Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons was joined by U.S. Congressman Jim Himes (D-4), Stamford Police Chief Timothy Shaw, and Acting Director of Public Safety, Health and Welfare Louis DeRubeis on Wednesday to highlight the recently passed bipartisan Safer Communities Act, and discuss how Stamford is curbing gun violence.

The legislation was signed into law by President Joe Biden on June 25, and is considered the most significant piece of gun legislation passed in the last three decades.

"We know how urgent and critical this problem is in our country," said Simmons Wednesday at the Stamford Government Center, noting that 41,000 Americans die from gun violence each year. "This is uniquely an American problem, and it is also preventable. As elected leaders, we have a moral obligation to do more to address this issue."

Simmons thanked the Stamford Police Department for their dedication in keeping the public safe, and she thanked Himes for advocating for gun legislation at the federal level.

Notably, the Safer Communities Act offers protection to victims of domestic violence and tightens red flag laws; enhances background checks for those under age 21; clarifies the definition of a "federally licenced firearms dealer," and provides funds for children and family mental health services, and increases funds for schools.

"There will be hundreds of millions of dollars made available to cities and towns and local education authorities to identify those people and work with those people who might otherwise be alienated, who might be angry, who all too often are the people behind the guns when we live through the kinds of catastrophes that occur with such regular brutality around the United States," Himes said.

Himes said Stamford has been at the forefront when it comes to implementing innovative solutions to address issues of domestic violence and mental health, which in turn has decreased the amount of guns in the community.

"What Stamford is doing today can serve as a real model for the rest of the country in terms of de-escalation, in terms of making the right resources available on the ground," Himes said.

Stamford has embedded social workers within its department to respond to certain calls where force or uniformed officers aren't needed.

There is a social worker specifically dedicated to the youth of Stamford, who can point a child's family in the right direction to get the resources they need.

Shaw said that over 350 weapons have been seized in Stamford over the last three years — some from the SPD's gun buyback program, others which have been confiscated for safekeeping, and then some from arrests.

Shaw specifically mentioned that there's been an increase in the amount of ghost guns the department is seeing. Ghost guns are virtually untraceable weapons which can be made at home from different components purchased online.

Since 2016, approximately 60 firearms have been taken off Stamford streets thanks to the SPD's anonymous tip line, something Shaw said has "absolutely had an impact on decreasing violence in the city."

Shaw also said the department's collaboration with various community partners have allowed people to get the help they need before they turn to violence.

DeRubeis said the city's public safety resources are "second to none." But in order to maintain a safe community, he said it will take community involvement and awareness.

"When it comes to gun safety, if you are a gun owner, make sure you're a safe gun owner and go above and beyond as far as handling and storage of that firearm," DeRubeis said. "If you're not a gun owner, if you see perceived threats or statements that could lead to gun violence, make sure you take action. Don't just assume someone else will take action. Call the police department."

DeRubeis said if a resident has a family member who died and who was a gun owner, to turn that gun in to the police department to make sure it doesn't end up in the wrong hands.

"Be safe," DeRubeis said. "We're in this together."