Families Can Receive Free Gun Locks From Madison Police Department

MADISON, NJ — In an effort to prevent gun violence, the Madison Police Department has partnered with Project Child Safe, which is funded by the U.S. Department of Justice, to distribute free gun locks.

The program is supported by a grant from the US Department of Justice, as well as additional funding from the firearms industry. Each kit includes safety information as well as a cable-style gun lock. The lock is designed to fit most handguns, rifles and shotguns.

The goal is to keep a child or other unauthorized person from gaining access to a firearm in your home. Gun locks are available at the Madison Public Safety Building, 62 Kings Road, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

"Children are naturally curious and love to explore and look in hiding places. New Jersey is one of several states that requires every gun owner to safely store their firearms, and the owner is criminally liable if they store a loaded gun where a child is likely to gain access to it," police said.

The Madison Police Department also wants to remind residents that they can turn in unwanted firearms and ammunition to the police. "If you’re a resident of Madison and wish to turn over any firearms and/or ammunition for destruction please contact the Madison Police Department at (973) 593-3000. An officer will then be dispatched to your residence and take custody of the firearm and/or ammunition and file the appropriate paperwork for destruction," police said.

Children and adolescents are naturally curious about firearms and may be tempted to "play" with any firearm they come across. Make sure your children are aware of and understand the following police safety guidelines:

• Don't go snooping, or allow other kids to go snooping, for guns in the house.
• If you find a gun in your house, or anywhere else, stop! Do not touch it or allow anyone else to. Leave the area and be sure to immediately tell an adult.
• Even if a gun looks like a toy, don't touch it. Some real guns look like toy guns, so don't take a chance. Leave the area and immediately tell an adult.

If you have questions regarding a firearm reach out to Detective Ryan Dunn at (973)-593-3014 or email at DunnR@rosenet.org.