An official State of Delaware site.

Official websites end in .gov

A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use https://

The https:// at the beginning of the delaware.gov address means you are safely connected to the government website. Any information that you provide is securely transmitted.

State of Delaware seal
Matt Meyer Office of the Governor

Office of Gun Violence Prevention and Community Safety

Alt text: Three men in suits sit side by side at a meeting or panel, shown in profile from the right. Each is wearing a tie and glasses, holding a pen and notepad, and looking attentively toward something off camera. The setting appears to be an indoor conference or official meeting room with neutral walls and doors in the background.

About the Office

The Office of Gun Violence Prevention and Community Safety works to reduce gun violence across Delaware through a comprehensive, public health-based approach. Housed within the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, the Office coordinates prevention, intervention, and response strategies to bring together communities, health systems, non-profits, educators, law enforcement, and families to make every neighborhood safer.  

Our mission is to save lives and strengthen communities by addressing the root causes and daily realities of gun violence in Delaware.  

Main Goals

  • Prevent violence before it happens through evidence-based community interventions education, and efforts to address the root causes of violence-including poverty, housing instability, untreated trauma, and limited access to education and employment opportunities. 
  • Support survivors and families affected by gun violence with trauma-informed services and connections to care.  

Our Approach

Gun violence is a public health crisis, and addressing it requires a holistic, community-centered approach. The Office of Gun Violence Prevention and Community Safety is committed to tackling the root causes of violence while advancing strategies that promote healing and safety. 

The Office works across state agencies, local governments, community organizations, and residents to tackle the root causes of violence, including poverty, housing instability, systemic inequities, untreated trauma, and limited access to education and employment opportunities.  

Our work is guided by community input, data, and evidence-based practices. The Office supports initiatives that:  

  • Prevent violence before it happens through community-based programs, community and youth engagement, and public education.  
  • Strengthen community safety by fostering collaboration between public health, law enforcement, and social services partners.  
  • Support survivors and families impacted by gun violence with trauma-informed care and connections to mental health and recovery services.  
  • Advance equity and opportunity through programs that expand access to education, employment, housing, and healthcare.  

Delaware’s Gun Laws

In 2024, Delaware enacted a handgun purchaser licensing law (often called a “permit to purchase”) to strengthen gun safety. Under the new statute: 

  • Most individuals who wish to purchase a handgun must apply for a Handgun Qualified Purchaser Permit unless they already hold a valid Delaware concealed carry permit or are active or retired law enforcement.  
  • Applicants must submit fingerprints, complete a state-approved firearm safety training course (including live fire training), and pass an expanded criminal history check. 
  • The Delaware State Bureau of Identification (SBI) is responsible for processing applications and must issue or deny a permit within 30 days absent disqualifying factors. 
  • The permit is valid for two years. Holders may use the permit to purchase handguns within that timeframe.  
  • Applications may be denied or permits revoked for disqualifying conditions (e.g., criminal record) and applicants have the right to appeal denials (in Justice of the Peace Court) and later appeal to Superior Court.  
  • If a permit is revoked and handguns were purchased under that permit, the law authorizes efforts to remove or surrender those firearms. 
  • Exemptions: Active or retired law enforcement and concealed carry permit holders are not required to obtain the new purchaser permit.