Gun Safety
How to Dispose of Unwanted Firearms or Ammunition:
The San Rafael Police Department is committed to assisting the public in the destruction of potentially dangerous items such as old or unused ammunition, and firearms which are no longer wanted by the possessor. This service is provided free of charge.
General Safety Concerns:
In general, an abundance of caution should be taken when dealing with unwanted firearms and ammunition. Should any questions or concerns arise regarding proper weapon and/or ammunition handling, the public is encouraged to speak with a member of the San Rafael Police Department.
Items the San Rafael Police Department Will Accept for Destruction:
- Firearms
- Ammunition
- Smokeless Powder
- Cartridge Primers
- Marine Flares
Procedure:
To ensure the safety of everyone involved, the safest way to turn in a firearm is to call the San Rafael Police Department non-emergency line, (415) 485-3000, and request that an officer respond to your residence or business (within the jurisdiction of the San Rafael Police Department) to take possession of the firearm and/or ammunition. Provide as much information available to the call taker, including the location of the firearm, and whether or not the firearm is secured in a case or other gun safety device. Follow the instructions provided by the call taker. Do not hand the firearm to an officer.
For everyone’s safety, we prefer that you call ahead if you have an unwanted firearm or ammunition, but if you choose to bring it to the Police Department, please do so during business hours. Transport the firearm in a locked container in the locked trunk of your vehicle. Leave the firearm locked in your vehicle and contact our front office personnel. An officer will collect the firearm from your vehicle.
The officer will provide you with a written receipt. After turning in a firearm, you must fill out California Department of Justice, Bureau of Firearms Form #BOF 4546 – NOTICE OF NO LONGER IN POSSESSION. You must fill out this form, sign it, and return to the California Department of Justice. This is your responsibility. We cannot complete this form for you. This form notifies the DOJ that you are no longer in possession of the firearm.
Project ChildSafe®
The San Rafael Police Department is a proud partner of Project ChildSafe. Project ChildSafe is a nationwide educational program that promotes the safe storage of firearms in the home. The program raises awareness about firearms safety by distributing gun locks and educational materials to gun owners. Project ChildSafe provides responsible gun owners with the tools and information they need to securely store their guns away from unauthorized persons, including children, at-risk individuals and criminals. Please visit the Project ChildSafe Website for further safety and educational material.
Members of the public can obtain a free gun lock(s) by visiting us at the City of San Rafael Public Safety Center. Anyone who requests a free gun lock will receive it with no questions asked.
Provided locks are intended to be used for at-home storage. It is intended to provide the public with at least some kind of locking mechanism. The locks are intended to keep children safe from firearms. They are NOT intended to keep criminal acts from occurring. The lock does not satisfy the requirements of a “locked container” for storage set forth by CA law. The lock also does not meet the requirement of a locked container when a firearm is stored in a car. The term “locked container” means a secure container that is fully enclosed and locked by a padlock, keylock, combination lock, or similar locking device. The term “locked container” does not include the utility or glove compartment of a motor vehicle.
Gun Owner Tips for Firearms Safety in Your Home
- Always keep the firearm’s muzzle pointed in a safe direction. A “safe direction” means that the gun is pointed so that even if an accidental discharge occurred, it would not result in injury.
- When handling a gun, rest your finger outside the trigger guard or along the side of the gun. Don’t touch the trigger until you are actually ready to fire.
- Firearms should be unloaded when not actually in use. Whenever you pick up a gun, such as when removing it from or returning it to storage, remember to point it in a safe direction and make sure it is unloaded.
- Be sure you know how your firearm operates: read the manual on your firearm, know how to safely open and close the action of the firearm and know how to safely remove any ammunition from the firearm and its magazine.
- Store your firearms in a locked cabinet, safe, gun vault or storage case when not in use, ensuring they are in a location inaccessible by children and cannot be handled by anyone without your permission.
- Store your ammunition in a locked location separate from firearms.
- Use a gun locking device that renders the firearm inoperable when not in use. A gun lock should be used as an additional safety precaution and not as a substitute for secure storage.
- Make sure young people in your home are aware of and understand the safety guidelines concerning firearms. Have them sign the Project ChildSafe Pledge for young people—a reminder that if they find an unattended firearm in their home or a neighbor’s to not touch it, and tell an adult.
- Always unload, clean and place your firearms in their secure storage location immediately after returning from a hunting trip or a day at the range.
- Educate everyone in your family about firearms safety. Visit the Project ChildSafe website for safety information and to find out where to get a free firearm safety kit in your area.
- If you must temporarily store a gun in your car or truck, for your safety and that of your community, we encourage you to take steps to properly store them. Use a secure storage device, keep it out of sight, try not to be away from the vehicle for an extended length of time and, when you arrive home, take the firearm inside with you to your secure home storage area. Remember, the number one way to help prevent firearms theft, accidents and misuse is to securely store firearms when not in use.
