Free Gun Locks

All Anne Arundel County adults can pick up a free gun safety lock.

"We address gun violence through a public health lens. Our goal is to work with the community to make sure that firearms are kept as safe as they can in family situations and in homes. Firearms are the leading cause of death for children and teens in the United States. This is about prevention."
Dr. Tonii Gedin, Health Officer

About the Program

The Gun Violence Intervention Team has partnered with the Public Libraries and community organizations to offer free gun safety locks to Anne Arundel County adults. The aim of this first-of-its-kind partnership in Maryland is to increase gun safety, reduce unintentional injuries and save lives.

In 2022, there were 16 gun-related homicides and 17 gun-related suicides in the county. A gun safety lock can provide critical life-saving moments between impulse and action. Securing firearms protects children and adults by preventing unintentional shootings and gun suicides.

Who can pick up a gun lock

The following individuals are eligible to pick up a gun safety lock:

• Anne Arundel County residents
• Adults 18 and older

No library card is needed to participate, and no proof of residency is required.

Where to pick up a gun lock

Eligible individuals can pick up a free gun lock at any of the following locations:

• All Anne Arundel County library branches
• NO HARM VIP in Annapolis
• Man Up Anne Arundel in Severn

To locate the library branch closest to your home, visit the library's website. A library card is not needed to pick up a gun safety lock. Visitors can go up to the front desk and request up to two gun locks.

For individuals living in Annapolis, visit the No HARM VIP website to coordinate a lock pick-up.

For individuals living near Severn, you can contact Man Up Anne Arundel to coordinate a lock pick-up.

How to use the lock

Each packet includes:

• 1 gun cable lock
• 2 keys that will be used to lock and unlock the device provided
• Instructions on how to use the device, which includes graphics

Click here for an image of the cable locks given out. Click here for a digital copy of the instructions for how to use the lock.

See below for instructions on how to use the cable lock:

Visit the Anne Arundel County Department of Health's Gun Violence Intervention page to access resource toolkits, view gun violence data and learn more about this initiative.