RALEIGH, N.C. — Gun locks, storage safes and proper education are just a few essential steps law enforcement said you can take to keep people around you safe. 

The Raleigh Police Department recently partnered with Wake County Public School System for their safer gun storage resolution.

On Saturday, the Raleigh Police Department was back out in the community for a free gun lock giveaway at Triangle Shooting Academy.

“It’s important that we get as much information out about how to properly secure your firearms,” Deputy Chief Rico Boyce said. “To minimize a child getting hurt or a criminal getting that firearm and using it to harm someone in our community.”

Educating the community on firearm safety is the main priority for Casie Bennett, the assistant general manager at Triangle Shooting Academy.

Bennett has been working at Triangle Shooting Academy ever since they opened eight years ago. She said she grew up hunting, and has a lot of childhood memories associated with guns. 

“It’s a fun activity,” Bennett said. “And it’s a great way to protect yourself and your family.”

But she says safety is the highest priority for her and her team. Keeping guns in locked safes, separate from ammunition, is key to avoiding unintentional tragedies.

“Every single firearm comes new shipped from the manufacturer… with a lock,” Bennett said. “[the lock] would actually go through the end of the barrel of a firearm. So then that way, if you don’t have a safe in any exact moment, you do have a gun lock.”

Every gun sold at Triangle Shooting Academy comes with a gun lock, but they also partner with the Raleigh Police Department, which provides free locks and information.

“This simple piece of equipment can minimize a firearm being used in a very tragic situation,” Boyce said.“This simple piece of equipment can minimize a firearm being used in a very tragic situation,” Boyce said.

Boyce said firearm ownership is a huge responsibility.

“The impact that I’ve seen in my 24 year career has obviously been very traumatic, especially when a firearm has been used to harm someone, especially children,” Boyce said. “And a message I want to drive home today is I wouldn’t want anybody to have one moment of negligence and then a lifetime of regret.”

Keeping the community educated on gun safety is a top priority for the Raleigh Police Department in order to keep guns out of the hands of kids and criminals. 

“It’s a societal issue,” Boyce said. “So not only the schools but families, law enforcement, everyone in our community has a responsibility to make sure they’re doing all they can to properly secure their firearms.”

Boyce encourages everyone to take them up on their free gun lock offer—no questions asked.

If you can’t make it out to one of their community events, you can visit any of the Raleigh police stations from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for a lock.

Many other police departments across the state have similar programs. Contact your local law enforcement to find out more.