The Shepherdstown Police Department has partnered with Project ChildSafe to launch a gun safety program, providing free firearm safety kits to local residents.

Project ChildSafe, whose motto is “Own it? Respect it. Secure it.,” is a program developed by the National Shooting Sports Foundation that distributes gun lock safety kits to all 50 states and the five U.S. territories. Since its inception in 2003, Project ChildSafe has partnered with over 15,000 law enforcement agencies and has distributed more than 37 million safety kits throughout the country with the goal of educating the public on proper firearm storage and gun safety.

“We decided to start this program because it’s good community policing,” said Shepherdstown Police Officer Michael “Doc” Moats. “This is a great benefit-type program for the community. Everything is free-it’s free for us and free for our citizens. It’s a good thing to have available to make sure that gun accidents and thefts can be reduced.”

Each kit contains a safety curriculum and a cable-style gun lock. Moats said locks fit on most types of handguns, rifles and shotguns. The Shepherdstown police department has around 4,000 locks to give away and if they run out, Moats said he can always order more.

“We encourage people to just stop in and pick up gun locks,” said Shepherdstown Police Chief Mike King. “I don’t care if you have 100 guns; get one for every gun you own. We’re happy to provide these. It’s the right thing to do.”

Pick up a gun lock safety kit at the police department 104 N. King Street, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., or 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. For questions regarding the program or the locks, contact the police department at 304-876-6036.