Prince William County Office issues 10000 gun permits and promotes community safety program

The Prince William County Board of County Supervisors meeting on April 1, 2025, highlighted significant developments in the county's concealed handgun permit program and efforts to preserve local history.

During the meeting, officials reported that Prince William County issues between 6,000 and 10,000 concealed handgun permits annually, often leading the region despite having a smaller population than neighboring Fairfax County. Notably, 46% of all new civil cases filed in the county are related to these permits, which are processed entirely by the county office without judicial intervention, helping to reduce costs.

In addition to issuing permits, the county has partnered with various organizations to distribute free gun locks to residents. Over 3,000 gun locks have been provided, available not only to permit applicants but also to any resident who requests one. This initiative gained national attention through a campaign titled "Real Leaders, Real Solutions for Safer Communities," featuring the program in Times Square.

The meeting also addressed the county's commitment to preserving its historical artifacts. Officials shared that several restoration programs are in place, and the county has been recognized by media outlets for its efforts. Artifacts are actively shared with the community during events, including voter registration drives and Black History Month programs.

To support these initiatives, the county has successfully secured $1.46 million in grants over the past five years, which have funded historic restorations and various community projects. This approach reflects the county's dedication to valuing taxpayer dollars by seeking external funding sources to offset operational costs.

Overall, the meeting underscored Prince William County's proactive measures in both public safety and cultural preservation, demonstrating a commitment to community engagement and responsible governance.