In Marion County, literacy and gun safety have achieved a certain affinity thanks to Sheriff John Layton.
Layton asked the public library system six months ago to join his popular gun lock giveaway program. It did, at six branches, and patrons began checking out gun locks at the rate of best-selling mysteries. The Irvington branch alone gave out 500 locks.
Due to the program’s popularity, the Sheriff’s Office said Thursday it will expand the gun lock giveaway to 11 more library branches in Marion County. Layton said he has more than enough new locks to give out — he just received a new order of 2,500.
Several recent shootings involving children and guns may have prompted the run on locks.
Whatever the cause, Layton said, he’s happy to see people scoop up the free locks, which the Sheriff’s Office pays for out of profits from jail commissary sales.
“I figure that’s one way the inmate can give back to the community,” he said.
Layton said he buys the locks in bulk for $1.51 each. They work on handguns by threading part of the lock through the barrel and out the chamber and locking it in place with a key.
Layton has given away more than 6,000 locks since the program began in 2011. Most were handed out by deputies, who carry locks in their patrol cars, plus at several gun shops and Riley Hospital for Children’s safety store.
Outdoor retailer Gander Mountain also announced Thursday that it will give away gun locks Friday through Sunday at all of its 133 locations, including stores in Indianapolis and Greenwood.
Layton said the giveaway can’t help but be a good thing, though he’s never heard from a parent saying a gun lock kept a child from shooting someone.
“As a 40-year law-enforcement official, I think it’s effective,” said Layton, who keeps locks on his own handguns at home.
“With eight grandchildren, I have to,” he said.
Library branches giving out gun locks are Central Library, Southport, Glendale, Brightwood, Irvington, West Indianapolis, College Avenue, Decatur, Franklin Road, Eagle, Garfield Park, Haughville, InfoZone at the Children’s Museum, Lawrence, Nora, Pike and Wayne.
Source: http://www.indystar.com/story/news/crime/2014/04/03/gun-lock-giveaway-efforts-expand-indianapolis-area/7275965/
Why not a gun giveaway, or ammo giveaway or free vouchers for concealed carry licenses? Here’s an idea, STOP GIVING AWAY THINGS YOU BUY WITH TAXPAYER DOLLARS.