Tampa Republic

The Tampa Police Department has announced a new pilot program in collaboration with the Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative (HCPLC) to distribute free gun locks to the community. The initiative, part of the "Project Locked and Unloaded" program, aims to promote the proper safeguarding of firearms by providing free gun locks.

Previously, these gun locks were available at any district office or police headquarters. The expansion will now include four libraries within the City of Tampa: Robert W. Saunders, Sr. Public Library, Jan K. Platt Regional Library, North Tampa Branch Library, and New Tampa Regional Library.

“This new partnership with the Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative (HCPLC) will increase accessibility and allow us to better serve our community,” said Chief Bercaw. “I encourage gun owners to take advantage of the free gun lock program and secure firearms properly.”

Andrew Breidenbaugh, Director of Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library, expressed support for the initiative: “Public libraries across America work hard to create a safe space for the youth in our communities. We are so proud to partner with the Tampa Police Department to extend that safe space into the home through the Project Locked and Unloaded program.”

For more information or general inquiries:

306 East Jackson Street

Tampa, Florida 33602

(813) 274-8211

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