The Virginia Center for Public Safety is a non-profit, non-partisan grass roots organization dedicated to the reduction of gun violence in Virginia. VACPS strives to accomplish this mission through awareness, education and advocacy. VACPS members represent a cross-section of racial, religious. professional and political groups. 


THE PURPOSE OF VACPS IS TO: 

• Strengthen individual knowledge and skills to prevent gun violence.
• Publish and distribute newsletters to educate and increase awareness about issues of gun violence.
• Lead discussions with school and community groups.
• Provide youth oriented videos and educational materials dealing with gun violence and prevention.
• Survey and publish views of legislators and candidates on issues relating to firearms and gun violence prevention.
• Advocate conflict resolution as a peaceful alternative in disputes.
• Build partnerships with youth advocacy groups.
• Build strong coalitions among like-minded groups, individuals, and organizations to strengthen our effort..
• Work closely with legislators to plan and support measures that help prevent gun violence.
• Promote gun owner responsibility and punishment for those who misuse firearms.
• Support the passage of sensible gun laws.

VACPS ADVOCATES :   

• Education and training of firearms purchasers and users.
• Safe storage of firearms in the home.
• Restrictions on where concealed weapons may be carried (i.e., recreation centers, events where alcohol is served).
• Severe penalties for firearm possession or use when under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
• State licensing of dealers with requirements for storefront operations and liability insurance.
• Regulation of secondary sales and transfer of firearms.
• Strengthened regulation of gun shows.
• Consumer product safety review of firearms.

VACPS DOES NOT ADVOCATE:   

• Restriction of the responsible use of hunting and sporting weapons
  Abolition of handguns