Fairfax County Police Department News

Fairfax, VA – As the holiday season approaches, the Fairfax County Police Department emphasizes the crucial importance of responsible gun ownership and firearm safety within our community. This initiative seeks to ensure that our community members enjoy a safe and joyous holiday season while reducing the risk of firearm-related accidents and incidents.

This year, we are proud to partner with the Fairfax County Circuit Court to provide new concealed carry permit applicants a gun lock. This gun lock will be given, free of charge, to applicants to ensure they have the proper equipment to secure their firearm. If you already have a permit for concealed carry, all our police stations have Crime Prevention Officers who can provide you with a free gun lock if you are a current or new firearm owner.

The holiday season is a time of joy, togetherness, and giving. As we prepare for the festivities, it’s essential to keep safety in mind, especially when it comes to firearms. Whether you’re a gun owner or not, understanding and promoting gun safety can make a big difference in ensuring a safer and happier holiday season for everyone.

Ways You Can Practice Gun Safety:

1. Secure Your Firearms:

If you own firearms, it’s crucial to store them securely, especially when family and friends gather at your home. Unintentional access to firearms by children or unauthorized users can lead to tragic accidents. You can do this by ensuring that your firearms are unloaded and locked in a secure safe, always storing ammunition separate from your firearm, treating every firearm as if it’s loaded, and always keeping the muzzle of any firearm pointed in a safe direction.

• Education is Key:

Ensure that everyone in your household, especially children, understands the basics of firearm safety. Teach them to treat every firearm as if it is loaded and to immediately inform an adult if they come across an unattended firearm.

• Safe Handling:

Always follow proper handling procedures when using firearms. Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot, and be aware of your target and what lies beyond it.

• Alcohol and Firearms Don’t Mix:

Never mix alcohol or drugs with firearms. Keep firearms away from situations where impaired judgment could lead to dangerous accidents.

Unwanted Firearms:

The holiday season is also an excellent time to consider removing unwanted or unused firearms from your home. If you are looking to get rid of a firearm, you can bring the firearm to any of our 8 police stations. Returning your unwanted firearms helps reduce the risk of accidents or stolen firearms in our community. For more information on this program, check out our website, here: Disposal of Unwanted Firearms and Ammunition | Police (fairfaxcounty.gov)

The Fairfax County Police Department encourages residents to participate in firearm safety courses and seek additional information on responsible firearm handling and storage. Our commitment to community safety extends to the promotion of responsible firearm ownership, and we are here to provide guidance and resources to those who seek it.

Remember that safe gun practices are not only for gun owners but for everyone. By following these guidelines and promoting responsible gun ownership, we can help ensure that the holiday season is filled with joy, warmth, and safety for our community. We wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday season!

For more ways to stay connected, please read our blog and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @FairfaxCountyPD.