The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (MNPD) has partnered with the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS) to offer free cable firearm locks to Tennessee gun owners, enhancing the safety of firearm storage statewide. This initiative is part of the Safe Store Tennessee program, aimed at preventing accidental discharges and reducing gun theft by encouraging secure firearm storage.
Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Jeff Long expressed his enthusiasm about MNPD joining the program, emphasizing the importance of safe firearm storage in saving lives. “We’re encouraging all Tennessee gun owners to use our free cable lock to store their firearm safely,” Long stated, highlighting the role of law enforcement in promoting safety measures.
The 15-inch cable locks, which can secure shotguns, rifles, pistols, and revolvers, work by running through the firearm’s barrel or action, rendering it inoperable. Each lock features a keyed deadbolt locking mechanism and a protective rubber coating to prevent damage to the firearm. Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake reinforced the significance of gun locks, stating, “Gunlocks not only save lives by preventing young hands from accidentally discharging firearms, they can also help reduce gun crime by making locked weapons less attractive to thieves.”
Tennessee gun owners can obtain the free cable locks at various MNPD locations throughout Nashville and surrounding areas. In addition to the cable locks, the TDOSHS and MNPD advise gun owners to employ other safe storage practices, such as using a locked case, safe, or lock box for the firearm and storing ammunition separately in a locked container.
The initiative extends beyond MNPD distribution points, with free cable locks also available at Tennessee Driver Services Centers and Tennessee Highway Patrol District Headquarters. For more information on how to obtain a free cable lock and learn more about safe firearm storage practices, Tennesseans are encouraged to visit SafeStoreTN.com. This partnership reflects a significant step towards reducing gun-related accidents and thefts in Tennessee, highlighting the commitment of local and state law enforcement agencies to the safety and well-being of the community.
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