Sheriff’s Deptartment Stresses Gun Safety

Gun safety has been a topic of discussion around the country over the past several years. The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office is committed to gun safety not only for the citizens of Oconee County, but among the deputies and personnel who work at the office.

Sergeant Mike McGowan, a certified range instructor with the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office, recommends gun locks for all home owners and some type of lock box in the home, especially in a home where small children are located. The advantage of a gun lock is the fact that the lock renders the gun safe and everything, including ammunition, can be found close by. Gun safety is also stressed among the personnel of the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office, not only at work, but also in their homes too. Officers must requalify with the weapon assigned to them each year and S.W.A.T. team members have annual and monthly training on top of that. In fact, gun safety rules are posted on the Sheriff’s Office range and taught extensively in the classroom as well.

Citizens are encouraged to call the Sheriff’s Office or their local law enforcement agency to check up on the availability of gun locks, but bear in mind that the locks are difficult to get sometimes and may take up to six to eight weeks to be received due to demand and processing of orders. McGowan points out that some manufactures of firearms provide gun safety locks when firearms are purchased.