Police: Responsibility Necessary For Gun Owners

Due to the recent tragic shooting incidents all over this country, firearms possession and their safe handling have become very important issues. We at the Twp. of Washington Police Department would like to remind all residents that it is the gun owner’s responsibility to make sure that their firearms are kept out of the hands of juveniles, and other persons who have no right to possess them.

New Jersey Statute 2C:58-16 states in part, “IT IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE TO LEAVE A LOADED FIREARM WITHIN EASY ACCESS OF A MINOR.” Gun owners should keep their firearms locked up, and should consider the use of trigger locking devices, which prevent the trigger from being pulled.

Residents who are in possession of unwanted firearms or ammunition can turn them over to us at Police Headquarters. Notify us in writing before transporting any firearms to us and you cannot be charged with illegally possessing firearms, as spelled out in N.J.S.  2C:39-12.

If you have any questions on safe gun handling, or if you are uncomfortable transporting them, call us. Do not handle any firearm if you do not feel you can do so safely. Help us keep our children out of harms way.

Editor's note: This post was provided by Heather Castronova on behalf of the Washington Township Police Department.

Also, the Bergen County Sheriff's Office will be holding a gun buyback in April.