Chief’s Corner

By Chief Steven J. Wojnar

Dudley Police Department

            Firearms regulations and questions are popular topics of discussion.  The laws are complex and change from time to time.  One question I recently received, dealt with the shooting of a gun within 500 feet of a home.  The question was, "is it legal to shoot a gun in a person's own yard or do they still need to be the minimum distance away?"
            Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 269 Section 12E is the law pertaining to the discharge of a firearm within 500 feet of "a dwelling or other building in use."  Even though this activity is prohibited by this law, there are several exceptions present in this statute.  One of these allows for shooting within this distance "with the consent of the owner or legal occupant thereof…"  A person would therefore be allowed to shoot in their own yard and not be in violation.
            One important point to take under consideration is the presence of neighboring homes or buildings nearby.  If these places would be within 500 feet of where the shooting is taking place, a person would need consent of those property owners in order to shoot.  Without this, a violation would be in order.  Penalties for a violation can include a fine of up to $150 and/or a jail term of up to three months. 
            The discharge of firearms must always be taken seriously with the appropriate precautions.  Bullets cannot be recalled in the event of a mistake.  Know your surroundings, exercise the appropriate care, and always be cognizant of the possibility of a ricochet. 

            I thank the Dudley PTO and Superintendent Sean Gilrein for allowing me to participate in a school safety presentation at the PTO meeting held on March 6^th.  The meeting was well attended and a variety of topics were discussed.  Mr. Gilrein was very informative and I appreciate the PTO and school officials for thinking proactive about the safety of our young people.

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