Town Administrator Releases Comment on Gun Question

Below is a statement released Monday by Town Administrator Tom Younger. 

"In response to recent articles and comments on the Internet concerning a Board of Selectmen's meeting held last Wednesday, November 6th, 2013, the Town would like to clarify the question that was asked to be researched.  The Board of Selectmen requested Town Counsel to research whether or not the current law could be enforced to determine if gun owners were complying with Massachusetts General Law Chapter 140, Section 131L regarding gun ownership and safety, with the goal of ensuring safe lockup of guns to prevent children from gaining access.  At no point was it suggested that militarized police would be permitted to conduct warrantless searches of homes and seizures of weapons." 

The matter is still under consideration by town counsel, the town administrator said.

The request came out of a discussion selectmen had on the following agenda item:  Enforcement of State Law requiring homeowners with registered guns to keep them in a locked safe.