NCJ Number
204501
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 31 Issue: 2 Dated: February 2004 Pages: 100,102,105
Editor(s)
Ronnie Garrett
Date Published
February 2004
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the development of a national standard for evaluating the effectiveness of gunlock devices.
Abstract
State safety laws that have been enacted to help gun owners reduce accidental shootings or the inappropriate use of their firearms often encourage or require the use of gunlocks. However, no standard currently exists for evaluating the effectiveness of gunlock devices leading to the potential problem of ineffective gunlocks being sold. There are difficulties in developing a gunlock standard. One such difficulty is that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. In addition, a challenge exists as to where to draw the compliance line. A system was invented by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Office of Law Enforcement Standards (OLES) and in conjunction with ASTM International that tests cable gunlocks to ensure some minimal level of performance. The draft standard, called ASTM Subcommittee F15.53 “Non-Integral Firearm Locking Devices” is in the final stages of the approval process. However, the ASTM, unlike the National Institute of Justice does not have any provisions for administering testing programs. ASTM only convenes the industry group charged with establishing the standard; it is then up to the manufacturers to self-certify their products. It is NIST’s hope to satisfy the National Institute of Justice’s concern that gunlock standards exist. It is important to know that standards do not provide an absolute means to control access to the firearm. Consumers must follow all of the rules for storing a firearm.