Firearm storage practices of officers in a law enforcement agency in the South

Background: Results: Conclusions: Law enforcement officers play an importan t role in promoting firearm safety. This study examined their firearm-relat ed attitudes and practices. Methods:We conducted an anonymous, self-administered survey of law enforcem ent officers in an agency in the South concerning firearms ownership, stora ge practices, and options. Results: The 207 respondents (response rate = 71 %) were primarily white (6 0 %) and male (89 %). The proportions of respondents with (55 %) and withou t (45 %) children were similar. Eighty percent of the officers had fireaems in addition to the one they were issued for work. Most stored firearms unl ocked (59 %) and loaded (68 %); almost half ( 44 %) reported storing firear ms both unlocked and loaded. Eighty-five percent indicated that they felt a n added need to protect themselves and family because of their job. Those w ho reported having firearms for self-protection were less likely than those who had firearms Tot recreation to store firearms securely. As compared to those without children, law enforcement officers with children were more l ikely to store firearms safely, and were especially likely to store firearm s locked up (chi (2) = 12.72, p < 0.0001). Respondents favored background c hecks, mandatory safety training, and enforcement of storage laws. Three qu arters approved of government safety regulations for handguns. Conclusions: Despite the law enforcement officers' prominent role in firear m safety promotion and support for initiatives that limit unauthorized acce ss, our study found that many de, not practice safe storage. Apparently, ma ny officers keep their firearms stored unlocked anti loaded for the purpose of protecting themselves and their families. Addressing concerns about per sonal safety is a necessary step in promoting safe storage to law enforceme nt officers. (C) 2001 American Journal of Preventive Medicine.