Island police chiefs set policy for licenses to carry firearms (Martha's Vineyard, MA)

[davepc]

http://www.mvtimes.com/marthas-vineyard/news/2009/03/12/firearm-licenses.php

Massachusetts firearms laws, some of the toughest in the Nation, give significant discretion to local police chiefs across the state to determine what if any restrictions to apply to individuals seeking to own and carry a firearm.

As a whole, Martha's Vineyard's rural heritage is reflected in the fact that more than 1,254 residents hold some type of firearms license. However, of the six Island towns, Oak Bluffs is the most restrictive when it comes to issuing a license to carry a concealed weapon.

The Massachusetts Gun Control Act of 1998 significantly changed the licensing requirements affecting the purchase or ownership of any type of firearm.

In the past, firearms identification (FID) cards were issued for life. Gun owners now apply for one of three classes of license - an FID card, or a class A or B license to carry (LTC) - depending on the type of firearm they want to purchase, possess, or carry.

Of the 1,254 licensed Island gun owners, there are 788 class As, 98 class Bs, and 331 FIDs. There are also 9 holders of machine gun license, a category that includes collectors. Edgartown has the highest number of gun licenses, 269.

...

This is a long article about the licensing system in MA.

[imdjh]

1. AN inspiration

I was in a huff because of the new cigarette tax, but now I have a reason to live. I'm going to use the money I save by quitting cigarettes to buy myself a handgun.

[msongs]

2. why not buy 400? helps the economy :-) nt

[imdjh]

3. Seems a bit wasteful.....

besides, I feel certain that APPLE computer company will find ever more exciting ways for me to piss away my money. I don't even have an iPod yet. I don't know why I need one, but I want one. I also want a "stunt cam" that hides in a hat, an electronic bumper sticker, a Gucci shoe tree, a winnebago, and a baby's arm holding an apple.

[paulsby]

4. i personally know these people

and one particular island police chief. he is very pro-ccw. some aren't

this is the arbitrariness of "may issue" states like MA.

one police chief, if he likes you, or supports CCW will issue you a license to carry, good across the state.

another, if you happen to live in his town WON'T

how arbitrary is it that one man (or in the case of west tisbury - woman) has complete control over whether you can exercise your civil right statewide?

answer: arbitrary as fuck!