Nikole Babb
nbabb@cherryroad.com
The El Dorado Police Department announced on January 6 that the agency received firearm locks to disperse to residents who are in need of them.
The agency received the locks from Project Childsafe, a program managed by the National Shooting Sports Foundation, and a component of Project Safe Neighborhoods, managed by the U.S. Department of Justice. Project Childsafe is a 501c(3) organization based out of Shelton, Connecticut that receives both government and private funds to disperse gun locks and firearm safety education across the country. Since 2003 they’re given out 40 million free firearm locks.
After being asked by a resident for a firearm lock, Sergeant John Thompson found some locks previously given to the agency by Project Childsafe and realized they needed more. He ordered 100 and they were shipped free of charge to the agency in two months. The locks come with a cable-style pad lock, key and firearm safety pamphlet. Sgt. Thompson says they’ve utilized this program for years.
“We’ve done this program for years,” said Sgt. Thompson. “I just realized we needed more and ordered them.”
To use the locks on a handgun, ensure the firearm is unloaded, the chamber is empty, and the magazine is removed. The firearm must have the action locked open to begin. The cable is threaded through the ejection port and down into the magazine well. From there, the cable is inserted back into the padlock and pressed into it to lock. Once this is done, a round of ammunition cannot be put into the barrel, a magazine cannot be inserted, and the gun cannot be put into battery.
To use the locks on a revolver, ensure the firearm is unloaded and the cylinder is empty. Open the cylinder to begin. The cable can then be threaded through the cylinder and locked into place. The cable locks can also be used on most rifles including shotguns, break-action shotguns, AR rifles and other rifles that require an external magazine. The cable will be threaded through the empty magazine port and locked into place.
“I would also recommend people to avoid leaving their firearms in their vehicles,” said Sgt. Thompson. “That’s an issue we’ve seen is firearms stolen from vehicles.”
The best firearm safety tip is to secure and lock your firearm when it’s not in use. Never store the key in the same place as the firearm to avoid an unwanted person finding them together and having immediate access.
“It’s very important that residents keep their weapons locked up and away from their children as well as educating their children on gun safety if they’re in the home,” said Sgt. Thompson. “Also alk to them on the do’s and don’ts on being around firearms and what to do if their friends’ homes have them.”
The firearms locks are free to residents can be picked up by stopping by the El Dorado Police Department and asking the window clerk. Officers on patrol also have locks in each of their vehicles so residents may approach them to ask for them as well.
