Frequently Asked Questions About Trigger Locks

The Marion County Public Health Department’s Violence Prevention Program provides free trigger locks for Marion County residents on a one-per-family basis. This website provides a listing of trigger lock distribution sites in Marion County.

It is true that using a trigger lock or another attachable safety device will prevent immediate access to a gun in a threatening situation. Furthermore, it is important to know that trigger locks and most other attachable gun safety devices are designed for use on an unloaded gun. In fact, packaging designs for these products often include the warning: Do not use on a loaded gun!

A gun owner who wants to have quick access to an unloaded gun may want to consider using either a gun safe or lock box as an alternative to the trigger lock. Some gun safes that are intended for use with handguns have some attractive features. They are not only structurally secure, but also designed to allow quick access to a gun if necessary for protection. In addition, many gun safes can be bolted down to decrease the possibility of theft. These products range from small moderately priced units which are sometimes equipped with a handle for easy portability, to large higher priced models that are designed to hold several guns simultaneously.

Gun safes are often sold at local gun stores or sporting goods retail establishments. In addition, some safety product distributors also supply gun safety devices.

I know that the Marion County Public Health Department provides free trigger locks for Marion County residents on a one-per-family basis.

Our policy of limiting families to one free trigger lock remains in effect even when a gun owner has more than one gun. This allows us to expand our reach in the community by serving a higher number of individuals and families.

No, it is not necessary to show your gun permit when you pick up your free gun lock. However, you will be asked to provide your name and some basic contact information along with some optional demographic information.

When our trigger locks are distributed at health fairs or other community events, some of our distribution partners may ask to see a driver’s license or another form of identification to verify the county of residence.

We collect this information primarily for the purpose of accountability since our trigger locks are purchased with Marion County tax dollars. In addition, the
information that we collect may be used for a brief three-question follow-up survey at some point. We do not share your personal information with any other organization. If you are not comfortable providing your contact information, we will still provide you with a free trigger lock if you are a resident of Marion County.

The trigger lock program is funded primarily through Marion County tax revenue. In some cases, grant funds may also be used to cover program costs.