Citizen firearm safety program. (Police Practice).

During 1997, in the United States, approximately four people died every hour from gunshot wounds. Of the 32,436 gun-related deaths that year, approximately 33 percent were unintentional or "accidental" shootings. (1) Because of such incidents, police executives in Prince William County, Virginia, took steps to help reduce these numbers in their county. In June 1998, the Prince William County Police Department (PWCPD) Firearms Training Unit developed a firearms safety course to teach gun safety to its residents.

The Objective

A firearms training program can help citizens increase their gun safety awareness by providing information concerning appropriate storage of weapons, especially in homes with children, as well as how to safely handle a firearm, including what to do if one is found. The PWCPD Firearms Training Unit designed this program to help prevent accidental and unintentional deaths or injuries associated with firearms. Although intended for adults, the program allows children from ages 12 to 17 to attend when accompanied by a parent or guardian.

The Development Phase

The PWCPD spent approximately 12 months developing this program. The Firearms Training Unit conducted extensive research, developed a thorough lesson plan, and contacted various vendors to evaluate their weapon safety and storage products.

The PWCPD advertised the program in local newspapers and on local cable channels. They publicized the program through Neighborhood Watch and Crime Council meetings, the Citizen's Police Academy, and an educational pamphlet offering weapon safety tips.

The Program

Each 8-hour class begins with a 90-minute lecture presented by a prosecutor from the Prince William County Commonwealth Attorney's Office. The prosecutor informs the participants of various legal ramifications of gun use and citizen liability and allows time for a question-and-answer period. Additional lectures presented during the class include such topics as the elements of gun safety, gun safety rules, the safe use and storage of guns, and special responsibilities for parents. The program participants are encouraged to bring their own unloaded guns to the class so a trained armorer can perform a safety inspection. In addition to lectures, attendees also receive numerous handouts and other visual aids and watch a live firearm demonstration on various weapons and their capabilities. At the end of the class, each participant receives a certificate of completion and a free gun lock.

Initially, program coordinators planned a 4-hour course; however, due to requests from the participants and the volume of supporting information, they lengthened the class to 8 hours. The PWCPD offers the course three or four times per year, depending on enrollment interest. Since the program's inception in 1999, approximately 80 citizens have graduated from the program.

The Costs

Although the PWCPD offers the program free of charge, each class costs the county approximately $525, which includes wages for two certified instructors, ammunition for the weapons demonstration, and a light meal for the participants. The benefits to the department and the community far outweigh the minimal costs of presenting this program.

After contacting numerous vendors to solicit donations to support the class, program coordinators received various visual aids to use, such as various types of gun locks and different caliber ammunition. The vendors realized that their support of the program can benefit the community by helping to educate citizens and ultimately prevent injuries and save lives.

The Response

At the conclusion of each class, instructors ask participants to evaluate the course. Since its inception, the program has received only positive feedback. Attendees stated that they received much valuable information from this course and that it provided thorough coverage on gun safety that individuals with varying levels of experience could apply. The participants' surveys revealed that they most enjoyed the legal discussions and the home safety parts of the program. The PWCPD's Citizen Firearm Safety Program has received several awards for its contribution to the community.

Conclusion

While it remains difficult to specifically measure its success, since the first class in 1999, no graduate or family member of this course has reported an accidental discharge involving a firearm. Although this course does not meet Virginia's concealed weapon permit requirements, nor does it replace a hunter safety course, it does enhance the relationship between the police department and the community. By educating citizens on the proper use, storage, and safe handling of firearms, such programs can help prevent firearm mishaps and potentially save lives. For further information regarding specifics of this program contact:

Prince William County Police Department

1 County Complex Court, Prince William, VA 22191

[e-mail]

703-792-6599

Endnote 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics, unpublished data from the National Vital Statistics System, 1977.

Sergeant Trevin R. Sorby serves in the Operations Division of the Prince William County, Virginia, Police Department. Sergeant Jacqueline B. Wheeler serves in the Operations Division of the Prince William County, Virginia, Police Department.