Full Notification

At a meeting last week, a number of residents expressed concerns about firearms safety. Firearms safety is important to the Moraga Police Department and everyone in our community. Realizing this, the State Legislature created a number of laws in the past few years regarding firearms safety. Given the concerns that were expressed, the Moraga Police Department wanted to ensure everyone was aware of two of the most important firearms safety laws.

The first law makes it illegal to store a loaded firearm in a manner within a premises where a child is likely to access the firearm without the permission of their parent or guardian (Penal Code Section 25100). This law requires that the firearm be safely stored so a child cannot get to it and use it. The second law makes it illegal to leave a handgun in an unattended vehicle without securing it in the trunk or in a locked container that is out of sight (Penal Code Section 25140). Depending upon the circumstances of the incident, the penalties for violating these laws range from a felony (punishable by a state prison sentence) to an infraction (resulting in a fine).

Please ensure that your firearms are securely stored and that children are educated to know that guns are not toys and should be handled only under adult supervision and with care and respect. Unattended firearms should not be touched and the Police Department notified immediately. Criminal storage laws contain an exemption if the firearm is safely stored and secured in a locked container or with a gun lock.

The Moraga Police Department provides FREE gun locks upon request. You can pick up one or more of them at the front counter of the Police Department during regular business hours. Additionally, if you have a firearm that is no longer wanted or working properly, the Moraga Police Department will dispose of it, free of charge. Unwanted firearms should be brought to the Police Department, unloaded, during regular business hours for disposal. It is best to secure them in your vehicle at the Police Department and an officer will retrieve them from your vehicle with you.

Please feel free to call 925-888-7055 with any questions or concerns.

Thank you for helping us keep Moraga one of California’s safest communities.