Commissioners hear questions about Community Partnership for Gun Safety; sheriff, detectives stress voluntary, educational aims

At a Monroe County Board of Commissioners meeting, public commenters and county officials discussed the Community Partnership for Gun Safety Program, a violence-intervention and prevention initiative funded by a grant of about $695,000 that county officials said is intended to promote safe gun storage and education.

The discussion drew questions from parents and residents about a student questionnaire that will be used by program staff to assess exposure to gun-related incidents. A public commenter recited sample survey questions, saying parents should be able to review the questionnaire and give consent. The commenter read, in part, example items asking whether students had seen someone threaten another person with a gun, seen someone hurt another person with a gun, or seen someone attempt or complete suicide with a gun.

Commissioner Christie and others noted the grant’s goal is to…