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FI RE ARMS S AFETY the less curious they are. If you are comfortable doing so, sit down with your kids and take your handgun apart and explain what each piece is. Let them look through the barrel, properly hold the frame, and see how all of the pieces fit together. Help them understand that a firearm is a tool, not a toy. Make shooting a family activity Presuming you keep firearms in your home, you shouldn't be the only one in the house who is familiar with them. Your spouse, partner, older kids and close friends should be familiar with what you own, where you store them, and ideally, how to safely and properly operate them. One of the best ways to accomplish this is to make shooting a family activity. If you're not comfortable being the family instructor, there are great courses and camps for both kids and adults to learn the basics of firearms. Very often in this profession we struggle with our relationships. Getting involved in something fun together is a great way to bring our family and friends into "our world." If your spouse and kids understand where, when and why you carry an off duty gun, they're more likely to be supportive. Off duty officer safety One of the many advantages of teaching firearms safety, skills and awareness to your family and friends is that it tends to lead to better off-duty officer safety for you. If your spouse and kids understand where, when and why you carry an off-duty gun, they're more likely to be supportive. Encourage your civilian spouse or partner to obtain a concealed carry permit. On every outing, let the family know which firearm you're carrying and where. Make it part of your family routine. Remember, the word "ethos" means "habits." Bring those "warrior ethos" home and share them with your family and friends. Your family, your community, and our country will be safer. ■ Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith retired in 2009 as a 29-year veteran of the Naperville, IL Police Department. Beginning her career as a police dispatcher at age 17, Betsy became an officer four years later and has held positions in patrol, investigations, narcotics, juvenile, hostage negotiation, crime prevention and field training. Betsy is a popular keynote speaker at conferences and events throughout the United States, Canada and around the world. Circle 52 on Reader Service Card www.officer.com August 2013 Law Enforcement Technology 47