The NOPD urges all firearm owners to be responsible in not only how they operate their firearms, but in how they store their firearms as well.

There are an estimated 265 million civilian-owned firearms in the United States,and more than one-third of homes contain at least one gun. Gun owners can make our homes and communities safer by storing their firearms unloaded and locked, with ammunition kept in a separate place, to prevent access by children and other people who are at risk of harming themselves or others.

Research shows that these storage practices can play a vital role in reducing the risk of gun violence, particularly among children, due to unintentional shootings and gun suicides.

The bottom line is this: Storing firearms unloaded, locked, and separate from ammunition prevents access and saves lives.

On February 15, 2023, Sgt. Shannon Brewer of the NOPD's Community Engagement Unit spoke to media regarding gun safety and the department taking part in the "Lock It Up" campaign, in collaboration with Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans, regarding securely storing firearms. This presentation can be viewed at https://fb.watch/iK02mUOYzC/.

For additional information, you can view a downloadable document of practices at the link below to help securely store your firearms to help reduce possible unauthorized use:

BeSmart-Secure-Storage-Fact-Sheet-012521A-1.pdf (besmartforkids.org)