Press Release  Healey-Driscoll Administration Launches New Training Focused on Firearms Dealer Inspections

RANDOLPH — The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced new training focused on firearms dealer inspections to help local licensing authorities comply with all state and federal laws and regulations, strengthen the gun dealer inspection process, and prevent illegal firearm trafficking. The Municipal Police Training Committee (MPTC), in conjunction with the Massachusetts State Police (MSP) and the Department of Criminal Justice Information Systems (DCJIS), partnered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to develop specialized training to promote strict adherence with all applicable gun laws, educate local authorities about their responsibilities under those laws and protect communities against gun violence. 

Massachusetts law MGL c. 140, § 123 mandates local licensing authorities to conduct annual inspections of licensed firearm dealers. State and federal subject matter experts jointly developed the newly created Firearms Dealer Inspection Training for Law Enforcement to provide local police and municipalities with a deeper understanding of effective gun dealer oversight and a comprehensive review of inspection requirements and standardized procedures. 

“Despite our Commonwealth’s strong gun laws, illegal gun trafficking remains a threat to public safety,” said Governor Maura T. Healey. “This new initiative will provide local authorities with the tools and training required to conduct timely and comprehensive compliance inspections to ensure all dealers meet their legal obligations.” 

“Our Administration remains committed to promoting public safety across the Commonwealth by ensuring that firearms dealers are obeying the laws intended to stem the flow of illegal guns into our communities,” said Lieutenant Governor Kimberley Driscoll. “I commend the collaborative local, state and federal approach to strengthening dealer oversight, and I am grateful for our shared commitment to keeping our communities safe.” 

“This integrated training program underscores the importance of strong local, state and federal partnerships and reaffirms the Commonwealth’s commitment to a collaborative public safety model,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence M. Reidy. “Consistent and quality compliance inspections are key to deterring and identifying non-compliant dealers and ensure we are taking every step necessary to keep illegal firearms off the streets and out of impacted communities. I want to thank the MPTC, DCJIS, MSP, ATF, and the many local participating agencies for collaborating on this important initiative.” 

Over 300 police officers have enrolled in the training that begins on Wednesday, February 15, 2023, and continues through March. The MPTC will provide in-person and online learning to maximize statewide outreach and offer convenient and accessible course options. The course curriculum will provide participants with best practices, a comprehensive review of inspection requirements, and the steps required to suspend or deny a dealer license. Participants will also review how to issue a violation and report violations to the appropriate authorities. 

Other training topics include: 

• Massachusetts Licensing Authority Inspection Responsibility 

• Massachusetts Inspection Steps, Techniques, and Outcomes 

• Shop Inspection Requirements 

• Record Keeping Requirements 

• Transfer/Sales Requirements 

• Assault Weapon Identification and Overview 

• Common State Violations 

• ATF Inspections, Techniques, and Involvement 

• Crime Gun Reporting and Tracing 

“The MPTC supported the development and deployment of this specialized training initiative with our state and federal partners. We remain committed to ensuring officers around the state have the resources and tools necessary to protect our residents by keeping illegal firearms out of our communities,” said MPTC Executive Director Robert Ferullo (Ret. Police Chief). 

“ATF has a unique role in regulating the firearms industry. Compliance inspections are done to educate Federal Firearms Licensees, enforce federal firearms laws, and curb the illegal distribution and use of firearms. Sharing our expertise, we will continue to work with our Massachusetts law enforcement partners to ensure the lawful commerce of firearms and the safety of our communities,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge James Ferguson.   

According to data maintained by DCJIS and its Firearms Record Bureau, approximately 357 active state-licensed gun dealers operate in 162 Massachusetts cities and towns. 

About the Municipal Police Training Committee (MPTC): 
The Municipal Police Training Committee (MPTC) delivers world-class training across the Commonwealth to 24,000 officers at every stage of their careers, ranging from basic training for new officers to mandatory and specialized professional development training. An agency within the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS), MPTC is responsible for the statewide standardization of police training, delivering a modernized training program that aligns with national best practices, public expectations, and legislative mandates put forward by the 2020 police reform law. MPTC operates a network of convenient regional academies and authorizes independent academies that meet the Agency’s standard of excellence.  

In addition to municipal officers, MPTC ensures the highest training standards for MBTA Police Officers, Environmental Police Officers, UMass Campus Police Officers, Campus Police Officers, and Deputy Sheriffs performing Police duties and functions. 

The MPTC operates Police Academies in Boylston, Haverhill, Holyoke, Lynnfield, Plymouth, Randolph and Southbridge. The MPTC also authorizes full-time academies with the Boston Police Academy, Cambridge Police Academy – Northeastern University, Fitchburg State University Police Program, Lowell Police Academy, MBTA Police Academy, Merrimack College Police Academy, Springfield Police Academy, Worcester Police Academy, Quinsigamond Community College, and the MA National Guard Civilian Academy. 

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