12/16/22
Firearm Handling & Storage
Recently we have seen a rise in firearms incidents. In an effort to reduce further injuries, as well as prevent any possible tragedies, we have put together some suggestions. As you know, scenarios involving firearms can not only cause financial hardship for your business, but the emotional trauma is immeasurable. Please share this with the necessary staff and contact our office with any questions.
Training & Procedures
- All personnel handling firearms must have undergone training by their employer on handling of firearms and loss prevention measures; to include, intake process, maintaining an uninterrupted view of items being shown to customers, showing only one item at a time to customers, and proper safeguards any time items are not stored in a safe/vault.
- Maintain written documentation of the training procedures being followed along with date, time and name of individual.
- Keep keys/combinations to the gun cabinet or gun locks, as well as the keys/combinations to ammunition storage, in separate locations within the store and secured.
Handling
Customers wishing to sell a firearm should make an appointment, if feasible, or be assisted by an employee who has the appropriate training for properly inspecting a firearm and the designated intake process. The customer should be met at the storefront or vestibule for inspection of the firearm. The inspection should identify the type of firearm and ensure the magazine is removed, cylinder is open, and all ammunition is removed from the firearm, including the chamber, cylinder, or internal magazine, if applicable. Once all ammunition has been removed from the firearm, a plastic tie should be used to secure the action in an open position (or secured with trigger guards) so that no ammunition may enter the chamber.
Customers wishing to sell a firearm should make an appointment, if feasible, or be assisted by an employee who has the appropriate training for properly inspecting a firearm and the designated intake process. The customer should be met at the storefront or vestibule for inspection of the firearm. The inspection should identify the type of firearm and ensure the magazine is removed, cylinder is open, and all ammunition is removed from the firearm, including the chamber, cylinder, or internal magazine, if applicable. Once all ammunition has been removed from the firearm, a plastic tie should be used to secure the action in an open position (or secured with trigger guards) so that no ammunition may enter the chamber.
- Inspection of firearm should be conducted under CCTV coverage to be utilized for review/investigation as needed.
- Signage should be clearly posted on the exterior of the entrances noting, “Stop! Firearms – Please see a sales associate before bringing a firearm into the store.” or a comparable message.
- All customers must present a Primary Form of ID, driver’s license or Identification card, prior to seeing/handling a firearm that is for sale. Hold on to the Primary Form of ID until the customer is finished handling the weapon and it is safely returned.
- Signs posted in the firearms areas advising to:
- Treat all guns as if they are loaded.
- Keep all guns pointed in the safest possible direction.
- Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.
- Know your target, its surroundings and beyond.
- Only show one firearm to a customer at a time. If the customer requests to see another firearm, that firearm should be adequately secured first prior to showing the other one.
- Verify that firearms are unloaded and cleared each time it is handled.
Operational Storage
- Firearms should be accessible to only trained store personnel.
- Pawned firearms should be secured in an adequately hardened room, with higher value firearms stored in a burglary rated safe.
- Retail long guns should be secured with cable locks.
- Ammunition should be stored securely and separately from any firearms.
Non-operational Storage
- Firearms should be accessible to only trained store personnel.
- Pawned firearms should be secured in an adequately hardened room, with higher value firearms stored in a burglary rated safe.
- During non-operational hours, the retail handguns should be secured in an adequately hardened room, with higher value handguns stored in a burglary rated safe.
- Higher value retail long guns should be secured in a burglary rated safe during non-operational hours. Lower value long guns should be stored in a firearm safe within an adequately hardened room (walls, ceiling, door, high security locks); at a minimum, lower value long guns should be cabled whenever left on the firearm racks during non-operational hours.