Dyess Exchange Expands Trigger Lock Policy

  • Published
  • By Army & Air Force Exchange Service
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  As the Army & Air Force Exchange Service increasingly provides access to firearms and ammunition, the Command has simultaneously broadened and refined safety measures specific to the sale of this merchandise.

With 31 firearm counters on military installations throughout the continental United States, including one at Dyess, and nine more expected to open in 2011, the Exchange is expanding the number of weapons it provides a complimentary trigger or cable lock for.

"While the Child Safety Lock Act of 2005 (CSLA), requires that that all handguns sold in the United States come equipped with a trigger lock, we decided to extend the requirement to include all firearms including long guns," said the Exchange's General Manager Teresita Williams. "All firearms sold at the Exchange will be sold with a free trigger or cable lock."

The decision to provide free trigger or cable locks on 100 percent of weapons sold builds on a wide array of safety programs exclusive to the Exchange's firearms and ammunition selection. In fact, each Exchange facility offering these products must undergo a rigid checklist of safety measures prior to opening.

The Exchange must get local Command, Fire Marshal and Security Officer approval prior to beginning the process of opening a gun shop. It then has to obtain a Federal Firearms License, secure an electronically monitored gun safe, construct a control counter and train personnel.

Once the firearm counter is open, ongoing measures include informing shoppers of federal, state and installation regulations that must be complied with, recording sales transactions and conducting instant background checks.

"We continue to be strong advocates of safety training and awareness," said Williams. "The decision to provide all firearms sold at the Dyess Exchange with free trigger or cable locks is just the latest in our ongoing efforts to ensure authorized patrons have access to as many safeguards and resources we can possibly provide."