Douglasville Police Give Back by Teaching Gun Safety

Douglasville residents can learn about gun safety in hands-on training by city police officers in a clinic first offered in April 2011.

"We did this to give back to the community that provided us with such a wonderful facility," said Lt. Brad Stafford of the department's training division.

Classes first were offered twice a month, but after a year it dropped down to once a month.

The next clinic will be held on Thursday, July 4, from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Classes are small, with about 10 people and two instructors.

"The students learn about gun safety, concealed carry laws, and laws relating to defending yourself legally in Georgia," Stafford said. That takes about an hour.

Another hour is spent in the range, where students are taught stance, grip, trigger control and other techniques for another hour.

"We have tremendously positive feedback from the classes, and plan to continue to do them as long as we have participants," he said.

The department has other community outreach programs, including the Citizens Police Academy, personal safety/self-defense classes and Neighborhood Watch programs.

Clinics are held once a month on Thurdays at 2083 Fairburn Road, Douglasville. The clinics are free, but registration is required. Email Matt Underwood or call 678-293-1789.

• July 4
• Aug. 1
• Sept. 5
• Oct. 3