An increase in violent incidents, and recent reports of an increased interest in firearms sales, have prompted the Columbus Police Department to schedule a gun safety class geared especially for women, Interim Columbus Police Chief Selvain McQueen said last week.
The class, which will be held Nov. 19 at 8 a.m. at the police firing range behind the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office, is open to women over the age of 21, though McQueen said men are welcome, too.
The classes will be taught by NRA-certified officers, who will demonstrate safety techniques, and proper use and operation of firearms. Participants can also attend the free classes to work on their accuracy. Attendees will be required to bring their own guns, ammunition and eye protection.
“I figured now would be a good time to do it,” McQueen said. “People don’t realize that there is responsibility that goes along with purchasing firearms. (When) you’ve got kids, you just don’t want to leave a gun hanging around.”
He said the classes are targeted at women, because “guys are normally well-versed in the use of firearms.”
For more information about the class, please call Sgt. James Grant at 662-244-3530 or Sheila Elder at 662-244-3528.
Carmen K. Sisson is the former news editor at The Dispatch.
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