Statesville Police Department: Working Together to Prevent Gun Violence in our Community

Every June, communities across the country recognize Gun Violence Awareness Month - a time to remember victims, support survivors, and encourage conversations about ways we can work together to make our neighborhoods safer.

At the Statesville Police Department, we believe public safety is a shared responsibility. While law enforcement plays an important role in preventing crime and violence, community members also have the power to make a difference through responsible firearm ownership, awareness, and reporting suspicious activity.

Preventing Tragedy Starts at Home

Responsible firearm ownership is one of the most effective ways to help prevent accidents, thefts, and unauthorized access to firearms. Whether you own one firearm or several, taking simple precautions can protect your family and your community.

Here are two important firearm safety practices every gun owner should consider:

Secure Firearms When Not in Use

When firearms are not being used, they should be stored unloaded in a locked safe, lockbox, or secured with a trigger or cable lock. Safe storage helps prevent unauthorized access, accidental shootings, and firearm theft. City of Statesville residents can stop by Statesville Police Department Headquarters for a FREE gun lock. (Monday thru Friday from 8a-5p at 330 S Tradd St.)

Keeping firearms securely stored is especially important in homes with children, visitors, or anyone who should not have access to a weapon.

Practice Responsible Firearm Ownership

Responsible firearm ownership extends beyond safe storage. Firearm owners should understand how to safely handle, transport, and maintain their firearms at all times.

Additionally, firearms should never be left unsecured in vehicles. Firearms stolen from vehicles often end up in the hands of criminals and can contribute to future crimes. Taking a few extra moments to properly secure a firearm can help prevent it from being stolen or misused.

See Something? Say Something.

Community awareness is another important part of keeping Statesville safe. If you observe suspicious activity, threats of violence, illegal firearm possession, or other concerning behavior, reporting it promptly can help law enforcement respond appropriately and potentially prevent dangerous situations.

The Statesville Police Department offers several ways to report information:

• Call 911 for emergencies or crimes in progress.
• Call 704-878-3406 for non-emergency police matters.
• See Something? Say Something! here.
• If you would like to report suspicious or criminal activity that you observe occurring within the city limits of Statesville, please complete our online submission form. Your Name and Contact Information are not required to submit this form unless you would like an Officer to be able to contact you for additional details. If you do not enter information into the reporting person information blocks, they will be submitted as "Anonymous".

No concern is too small when it comes to community safety. Reporting suspicious activity helps law enforcement investigate potential threats and keep our community informed and protected.

Working Together for a Safer Statesville

Gun Violence Awareness Month serves as a reminder that preventing violence is not the responsibility of one person or one organization - it takes all of us working together.

By practicing responsible firearm ownership, securing firearms properly, staying aware of our surroundings, and speaking up when something seems wrong, we can all help create a safer community for our families, neighbors, and future generations.

The Statesville Police Department remains committed to protecting our community and strengthening partnerships that promote safety, trust, and quality of life throughout Statesville.