Preventing handgun accidents and educating residents on lawful ways to protect their homes and property are the goals of "Personal Protection & Firearm Safety," a 12-hour course sponsored by the Carroll County Sheriff's Office.

Instruction includes gun safety, practical care and use of handguns, personal awareness and a segment on state and federal laws governing handguns.

The first of seven monthly courses begins tonight and continues Thursday and Saturday. Each Tuesday and Thursday session offers four hours of classroom instruction from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday classes will offer a 4 1/2-hour session at a shooting range from 8: 30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Jim Meyer, a special sheriff's deputy, and his wife, Robin, have taught the course for eight years.

When it was first offered, about 80 percent of each class was single, divorced or widowed women.

"Now, it's more balanced, about 50-50 men and women," said Jim Meyer, who works for an intelligence agency and is a qualified National Rifle Association firearms instructor.

"Most of those who take the course are new gun owners or want to buy a handgun to protect themselves at home in case someone tries to break in," he said.

Former students have said the course gave them confidence and the courage to handle situations without panicking, Meyer said.

He recalled a teen-ager who took the course because he believed his family was in jeopardy.

"Not long after he took the course, someone tried to break into his home," Meyer recalled. "He quickly but calmly had his mother call 911 while he stood guard at the door."

Soon after, the teen-ager joined the Navy and credited the personal protection course with giving him the basics he needed to score high in marksmanship, Meyer said.

Jerry F. Barnes, state's attorney for Carroll County, said his role is to give an overview of what a resident legally can and cannot do.

The state's attorney provides each student with a 60-page manual outlining laws that govern the sale, purchase, transfer, transportation and storage of handguns.

Barnes said he also seeks to clarify the issue of deadly force -- when someone may or may not use it to defend himself and others -- to protect his home and property.

"Maryland handgun laws are very complex," Barnes said.

"We try to keep it simple, but touch on all aspects of the current laws," he said.

Meyer said he tries to give students the theory with practical examples.

"What should you do, for example, if you hear a door rattle and believe someone is breaking into your home?

"Students will learn how to keep their heads in situations like that and do what is necessary to protect themselves," he said.

Meyer said each student takes a written exam, and instructors try to provide one-on-one instruction at the firing range.

Dates for the remaining courses are: April 6, 8, and 10; May 18, 20 and 22; June 22, 24 and 26; July 20, 22 and 24; Sept. 7, 9 and 11; and Oct. 5, 7, and 9.

A $30 registration fee is required. A handgun and ammunition will be supplied for those who do not have a firearm. Information or registration: 410-386-2900 or 888-302-8924.

Pub Date: 3/16/99