Free Gun Lock Distribution Program Initiated By Madison Police

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

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 of the initiative 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.

New Jersey is one of several states that require all gun owners to store their firearms safely, and the owner is criminally liable if a loaded gun is stored in a location where a child is likely to gain access to it.

All firearms and ammunition in the home should be unloaded and locked, and ammunition should be stored and locked separately, police said.

The Madison Police Department also wants to remind residents that they can turn in unwanted firearms and ammunition to the police. To do so, please call the Madison Police Department at (973) 593-3000. An officer will then arrive at your residence to seize the firearm and/or ammunition and file the necessary paperwork for destruction.

For any questions regarding firearm safety, reach out to Detective Ryan Dunn at (973)-593-3014 or email at DunnR@rosenet.org.