Jefferson County Sheriff's Office and Health Department Launch 'Project Child Safe'

The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office and Department of Health are partnering to launch an initiative to curb and then increase gun violence affecting children. (Photo courtesy of Scott Minshall)

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office and Department of Health are partnering to launch an initiative to curb and then increase gun violence affecting children.

During an 11-day period in the Birmingham area, seven children were injured due to gun violence. Jefferson County Sheriff Mark Pettway made it clear Friday morning that his department is taking steps to address the recent injuries.

“We felt the need to step up our efforts to increase public awareness about how to handle firearms,” Pettway said.

The 90-day initiative, called “Project Child Safe,” will distribute hundreds of free gun locks to gun owners across the county.

The project comes just before Memorial Day, a busy holiday weekend, which Pettway said was no accident. Bolts prevent guns from firing when fired. The lock comes with an instruction manual on how to use them.

Jefferson County Health Officer Dr. David Hicks said the locks will help prevent all forms of gun violence, including self-inflicted injuries.

“If someone unfortunately had thoughts of potentially committing suicide, it could at least delay or pause for them to think about that ultimately fatal action,” Hicks said.

This initiative is the first of its kind for the departments.

Locks can be picked up at the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office or at one of three Jefferson County Department of Health locations.