From the Sheriff’s Desk

Gun safety is an often discussed matter around law enforcement offices. Guns are a subject that is taken seriously. Both their use by law enforcement and how they can be used in the commission of a crime. But one of the most important issues is gun handling and safety when there are children in the house.

The personal use of firearms for self protection is an important decision and should be made with attention to your particular circumstances. If you decide to maintain a weapon for protection the firearm should be both readily available yet inaccessible to children or visitors.

Home firearm accidents often occur when visitors (adult or child) gain access to a gun that has been left unattended. If you don’t need quick access to a firearm there are some basic rules of storage: keep the weapon out of sight (preferably in a gun safe), keep the gun locked with a gun lock, disassemble the gun if possible (take the bolt out, remove magazines, etc.) and keep the ammunition separate from the gun in a separate container.

In order to help with the safe storage of guns the Grady County Sheriff’s Office is participating again in Project Childsafe. This is a nationwide effort to get citizens to secure their weapons when not in use in order to prevent firearms accidents involving children. This program was established about four years ago and Oklahoma’s Lieutenant Governor Mary Fallin was one of the original forces behind the program.

The Grady County Sheriff’s Office will be handing out free gun locks at the Grady County Jail during normal hours Monday through Friday. We will also be providing locks to the Alex, Rush Springs and Amber Police Departments and the Bradley, Bridge Creek, and Pocasset Fire Departments. Chickasha, Verden, Tuttle and Minco Police Departments also participate in the Childsafe Program.

Shooting sports are popular in Oklahoma and gun safety is important. Remember that when you are transporting a handgun that the weapon and ammunition must be transported in a manner such that a driver or passenger does not have access to both (unless you have a concealed carry permit). Rifles and shotguns should always be transported unloaded also. There are exceptions to every rule and if you’d like more information please call the Sheriff’s Office at 405-222-1000.