NORTHERN MICHIGAN – Need a gun lock. Michigan State Police (MSP) and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) are partnering together to offer free gun locks to the public at MDHHS county offices and some local health departments in an effort to protect children from unintentional firearm injuries.

The cable-style gun locks were purchased using $500,000 in state funding appropriated in the 2024 MSP budget.

The locks will be available for free at MDHHS county offices starting today, and some local health departments while supplies last. All MDHHS offices should have gun locks available no later than June.

In 2020, firearms injuries became the number one cause of death for children in the United States and Michigan, surpassing motor vehicle deaths and those caused by other injuries.

Public Act 17 of 2023, which took effect Feb. 13, 2024, generally requires individuals to keep stored or unattended firearms unloaded and locked with a locking device or stored in a locked box or container if it is known or reasonably should be known that a minor is, or is likely to be, present on the premises.

Michiganders can visit their local MDHHS office to request one of the free gun locks while supplies last, and they can also check with their local health department, some of which will have gun locks available.