Politics & Government

Legislative Committee Approves Firearms Lock Distribution

Sheriff says more than 1,600 firearms cable locks may be available for free distribution to residents

 

The Rockland County Legislature’s Public Safety Committee unanimously approved a program on Tuesday night to distribute free firearms cable locks to county residents.  Sheriff Louis Falco said more than the 1,600 locks he spoke about last week may be available because several groups have approached him about donating or purchasing additional locks. 

Falco said the cable locks are more diverse than gun or pistol locks because they can be used on rifles as well as handguns.  The department obtained the 1,600 firearms locks through previous donations and purchases with public funds. In order to obtain the locks, people would have to show proof of Rockland County residency. 

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“We just thought right now this would be the appropriate time to bring them out,” said Falco.

Legislator Ed Day brought up the national Project ChildSafe, which also distributes free locks.  He suggested the sheriff recommend to the county’s police chiefs that they apply to the program.  Day said the Town of Ramapo had already participated in the program. Falco said he would share the information on Wednesday when he meets with the police chiefs.

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The resolution must be voted on by the full legislature at its Tuesday, Jan. 15 meeting before the distribution program can begin. 

The committee also approved Falco’s request to use $25,000 of federal forfeiture funds to replace the Hurricane Sandy-damaged van used for Piermont’s Police Athletic League program.  The sheriff said his department has been loaning vehicles to the Piermont Police Department so it could continue running the program.  He said they would apply for FEMA aid to cover the cost of the replacement van. 


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