Full Notification

On Thursday, February 11, 2016, Hamilton County Sheriff Mark Bowen invites area residents to participate in a public education forum on Firearms Safety. This special meeting, to be held at the Hamilton County 4H Fairgrounds from 7:00-8:00pm, will focus on what gun owners can do to promote responsible weapon ownership. Led by Indiana Law Enforcement Training Board certified instructors and Sheriff’s Office deputies, participants will come away with practical ideas and suggestions on how to increase safety around firearms.

Hamilton County, like most areas in the United States, has experienced an increase in firearms ownership during the past few years. According to several studies, gun sales across the country have nearly doubled since 2008, hitting a new high in 2015 and peaking in December after shootings in Paris and San Bernadino. Nationwide, background check applications, which closely parallel gun sales, were at 23.1 million in 2015. Locally, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office processed 433 individual permits and six (6) dealer permits in 2015, an increase from 370 individual and two (2) dealer permits in 2014. December 2015 was the busiest month with 120 individual permits issued by the Sheriff’s Office. The increase in the number of firearms throughout the area brings with it the need to teach and reinforce safety not only for those who own guns but for those who may find themselves around these weapons.

The public education forum does not involve any type of hands-on instruction but rather is an overview of safe and responsible measures that should be practiced by gun owners. No buying or selling of weapons will occur. Those legally carrying firearms in accordance with state and federal laws are welcome; however, do not bring firearms in hopes of receiving instruction on their specific operation. Vendors of firearms safety and storage equipment along with several area firearms trainers will be in attendance as additional resources.

There is no cost to attend the event and no registration is required. The forum is appropriate for current gun owners of all experience levels as well as those interested in ownership or in general firearms safety. Free gun locks will be distributed while supplies last and information on obtaining an Indiana permit will be available.