THE PROCESS: HOW IT WORKS

VOLUNTARY.

TEMPORARY.

CONFIDENTIAL.

Operation S.A.F.E.R. Together is a voluntary, temporary, confidential, and secure process that operates under the framework provided by Alabama SB 40 (the Houston Hunter Act), the 24 July 2023 ATF/DOJ Open Letter to all FFLs, and a confidential hold harmless agreement between the firearm owner and the FFL.

1

STEP ONE

Any Military, Veteran, or First Responder (MVFR) firearm owner can visit a participating FFL during normal business hours and inform an employee that they would like to participate in the S.A.F.E.R. Together program. The MVFR will then complete a confidential hold harmless agreement with the FFL. Once the confidential agreement is complete, the employee will escort the MFVR to an individual safe (provided by the program) on their premises. Finally, the firearm owner will personally secure their firearm(s) and/or ammunition in the safe.


In this scenario -- under the ATF & DOJ guidance -- a FFL will not “receive” or “acquire” the firearm into its inventory, nor will the FFL assume control of the individual’s firearm. To the contrary, only the MVFR firearm owner has the ability to open the safe and retrieve the firearm. Because the FFL has not “received” a firearm into its inventory, the FFL will not record the firearm as an acquisition in its acquisition and disposition (“A&D”) records and will not, upon retrieval of the firearm by the individual, execute a Firearms Transaction Record, Form 4473 or conduct a National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) background check. The individual MVFR firearm owner is the only one who can voluntarily turn in and retrieve the firearm from the safe.

2

STEP TWO

The MVFR will receive a S.A.F.E.R. Together one-pager that provides a snapshot of the Peer Support Specialists available through this coalition and some local resources available for support. Every MVFR will be given the option to request free and confidential Peer Support services through this program. If the MVFR is willing to be connected to a Peer Support specialist, the FFL will notify the S.A.F.E.R. Peer Support Team. From here, the support and healing begins.

3

STEP THREE

Once the MVFR feels the high-risk transitional event has passed and they have support they need, they can return to the FFL and retrieve their firearms and/or ammunition during regular business hours without question. From here, the journey doesn’t stop – we encourage follow up support and actions to increase resilience, wellness, and post traumatic growth. The MVFR will have an option during the retrieval process to fill out an anonymous survey about the ease and effectiveness of the program to be maintained for improving our support of Veterans and Service Members in crisis.

WHAT EXACTLY

IS PEER SUPPORT?

F.A.Q.

  • What can I expect when I approach the FFL?

    Upon arriving to the FFL, please make sure your firearms are unloaded. Please consider using this time to also store or discard any unwanted ammunition. Inform an FFL employee that you are there to utilize the SAFER Together secure storage program. The FFL will provide you with a one-page Contact Form to complete and will make a copy of your Driver’s License. Making a copy of your Driver’s License is only to comply with Federal Regulation of requiring proper identification. Once the Contact Form is complete and reviewed by the FFL employee, you will sign the Hold Harmless Agreement and place your firearms directly into the locker system. You will be the only person able to access your firearms, ever.

  • Will my use of this program be reported to anyone?

    No. This is a voluntary and confidential program option for you to use to allow yourself time and space between you and your firearms while you reach out for additional support.

  • Is this associated with any Red Flag Laws or Extreme Risk Protection Orders?

    No. This is a Voluntary and Confidential Program option for you to use to allow yourself time and space between you and your Firearm(s) while you reach out for additional support.

  • Can I pickup my firearms whenever I want?

    Within the operating hours of the store, yes. This is a Voluntary and Temporary option for you to utilize. We encourage you to consider a minimum of 72 hours to allow yourself time to reach out for additional assistance, but this is not a requirement. 

  • Do I have to complete a background check to pick-up my firearm?

    No. You will be the only person with access to your storage locker, meaning the FFL never receives ownership of your firearms.

  • Can someone else drop-off or pick-up my Firearm for me?

    No. The FFL will only accept the firearms from the legal owner. You will be required to attest to this when completing the storage contract between yourself and the FFL.

  • What if I am concerned about a loved one but I am not the legal Owner of their Firearms?

    We encourage you to reach out to your local Police Department or Probate Court to discuss the legal options you have specific to your situation. SAFER Together is only a Voluntary program.

  • If I decide it is not best for me to retrieve my firearms, what will happen to them?

    When completing the Contract between you and the FFL, you will have the opportunity to request contact at a specified timeframe by the FFL or a Peer Support Specialist with Bearded Warriors. At that time, you can choose to continue to securely store your firearms as they are being stored. This does not impact your ability to pick-up your firearms when you choose is the right time for you.

  • What happens if I do not answer when the FFL or Peer Support Specialist with Bearded Warriors calls?

    Your Alternate Point of Contact listed on the Contract you complete with the FFL will be contacted after 3 unsuccessful attempts.

  • What is a Veteran Peer Support Specialist?

    Someone who has been where you are at this moment and can share their story in hopes of helping you navigate this point in time. This is not a therapist or doctor, but someone who has lived experience and wants to reach out to help you.

  • What happens if my Firearms are stolen or damaged during storage?

    The FFL is not responsible for any stolen or damaged property. This Disclaimer is included on the Contract you complete with the FFL.