FIREARMS IDENTIFICATION CARD/LICENSE TO CARRY

NEW/RENEWAL APPLICATION

Applications are available at the Brewster Police Department or Download Here!  Firearms Application

1. APPLICATION - Complete the Application for New/Renewal of a Firearms Identification Card or License to Carry Firearms. Completely and accurately provide all the information that is requested on the form. Failure to provide information or providing false information could result in the denial of the application. In addition, providing false information gives cause for the police department to seek a criminal complaint in the District Court.

With reference to question #10 “Have you ever appeared in any court as a defendant for any criminal offense (excluding non-criminal traffic offenses)?,
the key word is appeared. Arrest and conviction of a crime does not necessarily prohibit you from holding a LTC or FID but NOT INCLUDING THAT INFORMATION ON THE APPLICATION DOES.

“Ever appeared” includes all adult and juvenile appearances even if the charges were dismissed, continued without a finding, or you were found not guilty. These incidences WILL BE revealed in the results of your records check. If you have a sealed record, please notify us as we will receive notification of existing sealed record disqualifies. You do not have to advise of the content of the sealed record.

Be reminded that you are signing your application under the penalties of perjury. Explanations such as “I forgot”, “they told me it would not show up”, “it never showed up before” or “that was so long ago' are unacceptable and cause for denial of the issuance of a LTC or FID as well as prosecution for perjury.

2. APPOINTMENT - After the application form is complete it should be returned the police department. Lt. Bausch will then contact you to set up an appointment for processing together with the application fee of one hundred dollars ($100.00) in cash or check, fingerprints and photo. There is no fee for applicants age 70 years or older. The application fee is non-refundable even if the application is denied. A complete criminal history check will be done on each applicant. Applicants will be notified within 40 days of the approval or denial of their application.

3. SUITABLE PERSON - In order to be eligible to receive a new or to renew a LTC, an applicant must be deemed by the Chief to be suitable person. The Chief considers factors such as the applicant's reputation in the community, his/her involvement in criminal activities that did not lead to an arrest or conviction, association with known criminals, etc. In addition, the following statutory restrictions affect an applicant's suitability:

a. Conviction or adjudication as a youthful offender, anywhere for:

I. Commission of a felony, misdemeanor with a sentence greater than two years or violent crime,

II. Violation of any firearms law punishable by imprisonment, or

III. Violation of any narcotic law;

b. Commitment to an institution for mental illness;

c. Treated or confined for drug addiction or habitual drunkenness;

d. Under age 21;

e. An alien;

f. Subject to any a Chapter 209A protective order or similar order in another state; or

g. Subject to an outstanding arrest warrant.

h. Under Massachusetts law, an applicant or the current holder of an FID or a LTC who has been convicted of a misdemeanor offense punishable by imprisonment for more than two years is disqualified from holding an FID or a LTC. In the case of an FID if five years has past since such conviction and/or probation period, whichever occurred last. A person convicted of a violent crime may NEVER hold a valid FID or LTC. A person convicted of a felony also may never hold a valid LTC.

DISQUALIFYING CRIMES

Crimes against a person

Assault*,Assault & Battery*,Assault & Battery on Public Employee*,Assault & Battery on Ambulance Personnel*

Permitting injury to a Child*,Gross Negligence by Common,Carrier Assault & Battery/Property Damage to Intimidate*

Causing injury in a Physical Exercise Program,Resisting Arrest

Crimes against Property

Failure to report Hotel Fire,Larceny from Common Carrier/Business,Larceny under $250 from Elder/Disabled Person

Shoplifting over $250,Falsely Obtaining Commercial Computer Service,Receipt of Deposit by Insolvent Bank

Receiving Stolen Property Under $250,False Statement to Motor Vehicle Insurer

Obstruction of Medical Facility - Subsequent Offense,Wanton Destruction Property over $250

Destruction Church/School Property

motor vehicle offenses

Operating After Suspension for DWI/Motor Vehicle Homicide, DWI Alcohol (after 1994)

Motor Vehicle Homicide while DWI or while Operating to Endanger , DWI with Serious Bodily Injury

Homicide by Vessel with Serious Bodily Injury, Homicide by Vessel while DWI or While Operating to Endanger

4. RESIDENCY - All applicants for a LTC or a FID must provide proof of residency or ownership of a business in the Town of Brewster.

5. CERTIFICATION OF COMPLETION OF A SAFETY COURSE - Each applicant for a LTC or FID Card, except an applicant for a FID to carry mace or other chemical propellant, must successfully complete a safety course certified by the Department of State Police or in the case of a FID a course of instruction in the safe handling of firearms administered by the division of Fisheries and Wildlife. the instructor must be certified by the Department of State Police to teach the approved course. Those who held a valid license prior to June 1, 1998 and have kept it active are not required to obtain one.

6. Chapter 180 of the Acts of 1998 became effective October 21, 1998. This new gun law has made significant changes in obtaining a Firearms License. Upon EXPIRATION of your firearms license the current law provides a 90 day grace period.