The Buena Vista Police Department also engages with the community by offering free gun locks. A cable gun lock runs through the inside of a firearm and prevents it from being used.
Virginia’s HB871, which became law in April, requires gun owners to use a gun lock or keep their weapon in a locked container if the gun might be accessible to a minor or a person legally prohibited from having a firearm. Breaking the new law is a Class 2 misdemeanor.
The law is relatively new, but Cpl. Joshua Guttmann, community resource officer for the Buena Vista Police Department, said the department had already been distributing gun locks. Those in need of a lock should visit the police department or call (540) 261-6174.
“This is a just a way of saying, ‘Hey, if you need a gun lock, come by the police department and we have some,” Guttmann said.
