Council directs staff to study costs and options for a firearm-safety public-awareness campaign

FAYETTEVILLE — The Fayetteville City Council asked staff to research costs and options for a public-awareness campaign focused on firearm safety and secure storage after the police department reported continuing weapons thefts.

Council member McNair proposed a billboard-based campaign and asked staff to evaluate billboards and other media. The police chief presented recent data to underscore the issue: 468 weapons reported stolen in 2024 with 809 recovered; 507 weapons reported stolen in 2025 with 785 recovered. The chief said unsecured firearms in vehicles are a common theft vector.

Council members supported the public-safety aim but raised questions about cost, funding sources and campaign effectiveness. Several suggested the city consider a multi-platform approach including targeted materials at firearm retailers, distributing locks, social media, neighborhood signage, and partnering with community organizations and state programs.

The council voted 9–1 to direct staff to return with options and cost estimates for a multi-channel public-awareness program emphasizing secure firearm storage and responsible ownership.