Monroe County survey: Weigh in on firearm safety, policing, mental health
Monroe County is putting out a survey regarding firearm and community safety within the county.
“The purpose of the survey is to understand gun ownership safety, storage, and training practices as well as community perceptions on topics related to policing, violence, mental health and substance abuse,” emailed Monroe County Grants Manager Jennifer Strauch. “After an analysis of the data and the creation of a Strategic Plan, the Leadership team will determine the next steps of implementation.”
Strauch, who is overseeing the survey, also wrote that the county will look for additional funding through grants, as well as other community-driven strategies that do not require funding.
The county was awarded a $50,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency last December to complete a community needs assessment and develop a strategic plan to reduce gun violence, according to Strauch.
“Every voice counts whether individuals are gun owners or individuals who have never owned or touched a gun,” wrote Strauch. “Every voice counts because perceptions of community safety and policing are topics which touch everyone. With the mental health and gun violence crisis around firearms in America, every voice counts to keep our community safe.”
Strauch also said that Monroe County hired a consulting group, the Carey Group Consulting & Publishing, to assess community needs and develop a strategic plan for implementation once the results are in.
According to Strauch, the Carey Group completed a literature review; is collecting non-personally-identifying information relating to firearms from local agencies such as the sentencing commission, emergency room, State Police Firearms Annual Report; and will conduct focus groups from targeted populations such as firearms owners, law enforcement, youth and community members to assist in developing a strategic plan.
Strauch also said that the Community Partnership for Gun Safety, a group of community members, government officials and local law enforcement, hopes to receive at least 400 responses for a 5% margin of error and a 95% confidence level.
“Despite being a divisive topic, the Community Partnership for Gun Safety has spent their time focusing on areas for which this group can positively impact the community through education and prevention of violence," she said.
The survey can be found at surveymonkey.com/r/5pjwk5l. All responses are confidential. The survey is open through Dec. 15.
Max Auguliaro is the public safety and government watchdog reporter at the Pocono Record. Reach him at MAugugliaro@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Pocono Record: Monroe Co. surveying residents on guns, policing, mental health, more
