Police firearm law knowledge

[JGreen]

OK, I see what you're getting at now. It's true that the definition of "shotgun" and "rifle" as defined the MGLs is distinct from that of a "firearm." Your original statement, while technically correct, was misleading because SBS and SBR are covered. (Granted an SBS or an SBR is not technically a shotgun or a rifle according to the MGLs....)

You do bring up an interesting point though. Technically a Firearm Identification Card doesn't allow the holder to own or possess any "firearms" (as they are incorrectly defined in 121.) It is a bit of a mind ****....

From GOAL's Gun Law for Citizen's Class:

 

[shamrockjr]

No most cops don't know the nuances of MA firearms law... Put another way however, the entire MGLs are complex and in need of total streamlining and reform.

Absolutely 100% on the mark. +1!

 

[TheKingNothing]

The laws were written in a way to be vague and confuse people on purpose. It gives the government that many more ways to get around your defenses and your rights and more importantly in a state of laws and a country of laws, this allows the government to generate revenue.

Make no mistake about it. MOST laws have never been about moral hazard and doing whats right for people. Confusing and vague laws which can be left for interpretation are a great way for the state to make cash.

I am less concerned with how well they know the law and more concerned with the fact that there is no real recourse for us to take when they make a mistake or abuse their power ( intentionally or inadvertant ). Far too common people side with the police officer because well hes a COP after all right? When the reality is they may be just as confused as the rest of us.

 

[GJH86]

Unless you are waving it (gun) around in public, threatening someone with it or killing someone unlawfully with it then a lot of LEO's may not know all the ins and out of c140. The firearm licensing guys will, as will the ballisticians and other specialists. Most LE is moving towards specialization. If the firearm is not used in the comission of a crime then it becomes just another aspect of their job. You know what you do frequently and can find that which you do not. A lot of cops now are not gun owners (they may have one or two outside of their duty weapon). Some have quite a few as I'm sure some of us here do. Arrest me for open carry? YES PLEASE! Cha-ching!!

 

[travis]

Unless you are waving it (gun) around in public, threatening someone with it or killing someone unlawfully with it then a lot of LEO's may not know all the ins and out of c140. The firearm licensing guys will, as will the ballisticians and other specialists. Most LE is moving towards specialization. If the firearm is not used in the comission of a crime then it becomes just another aspect of their job. You know what you do frequently and can find that which you do not. A lot of cops now are not gun owners (they may have one or two outside of their duty weapon). Some have quite a few as I'm sure some of us here do. Arrest me for open carry? YES PLEASE! Cha-ching!!

Yea you put you're faith in the le's to know the law. Let me know how that works out..

 

[jkommelb]

Yea you put you're faith in the le's to know the law. Let me know how that works out..

Actually, if you read what he said, he said that most DO NOT know the specifics of the law. But do you know every single answer to any question that could come up in your job? No, you probably don't, unless you're some kind of savant.

 

[travis]

But do you know every single answer to any question that could come up in your job? No, you probably don't, unless you're some kind of savant.

Nope but unlike most LE's I have encountered I when coming across something I do not know or understand I ASK someone who does instead of insisting because I have a badge I know all and only what I say matters. I have had dealings with le's and even after calling the ATF and being told that I am the legal owner of the items in question the le's STILL insist I am not allowed to own said items and continue to give me crap. See the difference. You can learn or you can continue to be wrong many le's NEVER admit to being wrong. Again this is why is is good to live here where the le's are for the most part local folks and not power hungry asshats though we do get one now and again..

 

[MisterHappy]

Having the law on your side may not matter, on the side of the road.

 

[eagling0716]

All the MGL are posted online. The general laws of transportation are completely explained in MA law in MGL Chapter 140 S 131C. If in doubt, consult an attorney who specializes in guns. Put them on speed dial. Ambiguity in law creates police discretion. If you're a jerk to the officer, you'll likely get arrested because you're a jerk. If you're a good law abiding citizen and you're nice and it's an honest mistake, you'll probably walk away with a warning. Key point, don't be a jerk with your gun before or after the officer arrives and 99 out of 100 and you'll be ok.

I wasn't aware that being a "jerk" was a crime, or that it suggests you are about to commit a crime. Not trying to be a dick, I just don't like abuse of power.

 

[travis]

I wasn't aware that being a "jerk" was a crime, or that it suggests you are about to commit a crime. Not trying to be a dick, I just don't like abuse of power.

Then you will defiantly want to avoid police while you have firearms. Actually in most places you will want to avoid them all together. While some are great folks to many are power drunk and arrogant. They forget they are there FOR us not to rule us..