Fall River Mayor Encourages Gun Owners to Secure Firearms

Outgoing Fall River Mayor Sam Sutter is urging legal gun owners in the city to keep their firearms secured and help police keep them out of the hands of children and criminals.

In a release from Sutter and Fall River Police Chief Daniel Racine, gun owners are reminded they must receive approval of any sales or transfers of firearms through an online portal due to changes in Massachusetts gun laws last year. The portal will, in part, verify the information of both buyer and seller and ensure the transfer or sale complies with the law.

The revised laws also increase the penalties if a gun owner doesn't properly report a lost or stolen firearm to local police and the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services.

Fall River Police are providing residents with free gun locks as well as advice for proper storage of guns and ammunition. Anyone interested in these services is encouraged to contact the Fall River Police Department's Licensing Department at 508-324-2787.