Easton’s Police Department is giving away cable-style gun lock devices to residents free of charge to safely secure their firearms when not in use.
The free locks are part of Project ChildSafe, a nationwide education program that promotes responsible gun ownership and storage of firearms within homes. It was created by the National Shooting Sport Foundation, the trade association for the firearms industry.
Police Chief Richard Doyle said the department received 100 safety kits, which include a cable-style gun-locking device that can be used to securely store away guns from unauthorized people including children, at-risk individuals, and criminals. The safety kits also come with installment instructions and a gun safety booklet.
The locks are available 24/7 for pickup at the police department’s front desk at 700 Morehouse Road.
Easton is among more than 15,000 law enforcement agencies to partner with Project Child Safe since the project began in 1999. More than 40 million gun locks have been distributed through local law enforcement, according to Project Child Safe’s website. Additionally, they have provided manufacturers with more than 70 million free firearm locks with new gun purchases.
Project Childsafe partners with law enforcement, elected officials, community leaders, state agencies, and other crucial organizations across the country to bring the issue of firearm safety to public attention. Fatal firearm accidents have dropped to historic lows in the 20-plus years since Project ChildSafe has been launched, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.
The cable-style gun locks are just one example of educational materials that gun owners can use to ensure safety in their homes. Project ChildSafe’s website features various infographics, guides, and fact sheets describing the range of options available for storing guns safely when not in use. Other protection mechanisms include gun cases and lock boxes.
You can reach the Easton Police Department at 203-268-4111. To learn more about Project ChildSafe and firearm safety, visit the website by clicking here.
