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NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: March 29, 2005 Contact :Chief Jeffrey Hewes

Goshen Police Join Statewide Crackdown on Aggressive Driving

Enforcement Effort to Promote Road Respect

Too often we let our own daily stresses and the poor driving of others tempt us into aggressive driving. Tailgating, switching lanes without signaling, rolling through stop signs, and excessive speeding are just a few examples of aggressive driving. This behavior behind the wheel not only is unsafe for everyone, but causes other drivers to become aggressive toward us. To help reduce aggressive driving, the Goshen Police Department will join 264 other local police departments and the Massachusetts State Police in a 2005 Road Respect Mobilization. Sponsored by the Governor’’s Highway Safety Bureau (GHSB), this Road Respect Mobilization coordinates approximately $500,000 in extra traffic enforcement with $160,000 in radio ads and other public information efforts from April 4 through 17. The GHSB is a program of the Executive Office of Public Safety.

State and local police issued approximately 148,000 citations related to aggressive driving in 2003, 17,950 of which involved a crash. The GHSB defines aggressive driving as two or more violations of an aggressive nature, such as speeding, tailgating, or improper lane changes. Massachusetts law enforcement recommends the following 10 tips to reduce aggressive driving:
  • Obey posted speed limits. Allow extra travel time for traffic and bad weather.
  • Always signal your intentions when turning or changing lanes.
  • come to a full stop at red lights and stop signs.
  • Never run yellow lights.
  • Let other drivers pass and merge as necessary.
  • On multi-lane highways, use the left lane for passing only.
  • Avoid distracted driving, especially if using a cell phone.
  • Refrain from unnecessary use of your horn.
  • Pay attention to the special needs of those who drive trucks and buses, ride motorcycles and bicycles, and pedestrians.
  • Wear your safety belt. It’’s your best defense against an aggressive driver.

    If confronted by an aggressive driver:
  • Control your anger to avoid escalating the situation.
  • Attempt to safely get out of his or her way.
  • Avoid eye contact or obscene gestures.
  • If a serious incident occurs, contact the nearest police agency. If using a cell phone, pull over at a safe location and dial 911.

State and local police are asking the public to help them prevent needless injuries and deaths caused by aggressive driving during this mobilization and throughout the year. Remember, bad driving is costly -- in time, tickets and higher insurance bills. So let’’s show each other some Road Respect.

Contact Us

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The Goshen Police Department is located at 555c East.

The business office is staffed the second Monday of the month from 5pm-6:30pm for walkins or by appointment. Please call 268-3116 to make an appointment or speak with the chief.

Mail and other correspondence should be directed to:

Goshen Police Department
PO Box 23
555c East Street
Goshen, MA 01032

Our town is covered by the 911 system, and that vital emergency number is always available.

Non-emergency calls should be directed to 413-586-1508.

FID and Firearms

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 To lawfully possess a hangun, rifle, shotgun, ammunition or chemical propellant spray (i.e. mace), you must have a valid License to Carry (LTC) in the case of hanguns, or a valid Firearms Identification Card (FID) for all others. (See Massachusetts General Law c.140, §131 and §129B.)

Persons who are not citizens of the United States but are residents of Massachusetts may not possess large capacity rifles, shotguns, handguns or non-large capacity handguns. These persons may only possess non-large capacity rifles, shotguns, ammunition, and chemical propellant spray. (See Massachusetts General Law c.140, §131F and §131H.)

A list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding firearms licensing, ownership and responsibilities has been compiled and is available by clicking on the Firearms FAQ link in the menu to the left. Questions not answered by this FAQ can be directed to the Goshen Police Department by clicking here or on the appropriate link in the navigation menu.

New or Renewal FID or LTCs Resident FID and LTC applications are available online by clicking here. This form is in the Adobe Portable Document format (PDF) and requires Adobe® Acrobat® Reader v4.0 or higher to open and print it. Adobe Acrobat is a free download for all users. NEW APPLICANTS or RENEWAL APPLICANTS need to complete this form and bring it to the police department along with a $100 fee. Persons filing for an FID or LTC for the first time must successfully complete a firearms safety or hunter safety course and attach a copy of the certificate of completion to the application. The applicant will be required to be photographed and fingerprinted.

FID or LTC Change of Address Any FID or LTC cardholder is required by law to notify, in writing, the licensing authority who issued said card or license, the chief of police into whose jurisdiction such person is moving to and the executive director of the criminal history systems board of any change of address. (See Massachusetts General Law c.140, §129B and §131(1).) Such notifications should be made by certified mail within 30 days of its occurrence.

The CHANGE OF ADDRESS form is available online by clicking on the FID Change of Address link in the menu to the left. This form is in the Adobe Portable Document format (PDF) and requires Adobe® Acrobat® Reader v4.0 or higher to open and print it. Adobe Acrobat is a free download for all users.


Frequently Asked Questions

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The Goshen Police Department has compiled some of the more common and frequently asked questions (FAQs) given to us by our townsfolk. Take a moment to read through our FAQ - you might find an answer to one of your questions.
Questions that are not answered by this FAQ can be directed to the department by clicking here.

Q. Where is the Goshen police station? What are the hours of the department?
Q. I need to see the Chief about something. When is he in the office?
A. The Goshen Police Department is located at 555c East. The business office is staffed the second Monday of the month from 5pm-6:30pm for walkins or by appointment. Please call 268-3116 to make an appointment or speak with the chief.

Q. When should I call 911?
A. Please click here.

Q. Who should I call about a loose or problem dog?
A. You should call the Goshen Dog Officers at (413) 268-3145.

Q. Who should I call about a problem with an animal, such as a sickly raccoon or dead bird?
A. You should contact the Goshen Animal Control Officer at (413) 268-7487.

Q. What should I do if I am stopped by the police for a traffic violation?
A. Please click here. The Driver’s Manual published by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles has detailed information on this and many other driver responsibilities. Anyone who operates a motor vehicle in Massachusetts should be familiar with this manual.

Q. How do I get a License to Carry Firearms? Where do I find Firearms Law information?
A. Please read our Firearms FAQ section.

Q. I’m going on vacation. Can the police check on my home while I’m gone?
A. Yes. This is a special service provided by your police department. Please fill out our "Security Check Report" form and drop it off at the police station before you leave. Officers on patrol will randomly check on the security of your home while you are away.

Q. I return home and find the door open. Should I go in?
A. NO! Go to a neighbor’s house and call the police. If you ever arrive at home and find anything suspicious such as a broken window or alarm sounding, DO NOT GO IN. You want to avoid any interaction with an intruder and avoid contaminating possible evidence such as foot or fingerprints.



Q. What are the hunting seasons in Massachusetts?
A. There are several hunting seasons throughout the year in Massachusetts. The most popular, of course, is shotgun deer season in December. You can get information about all hunting seasons in the Hunting and Fishing Abstracts, published by the Massachusetts Department of Fisheries & Wildlife. The Abstracts are available at many area sportsman shops.

Firearms FAQ

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The Goshen Police Department is pleased to offer a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) regarding firearms, the process by which one would obtain a firearms identification card and/or license to carry, and other common concerns regarding firearms ownership and handling.

This FAQ was compiled on September 20, 2001 by Chief Patrick T. Archbald of the Williamsburg Police Department and Chief Ron Glidden of the Lee Police Department.
Q. What reasons do licensing authorities (Police Chiefs) issue licenses for?
A. This is an issue that causes more problems between applicants and licensing authorities than all other issues combined. There are very strong feelings on both sides of this issue.

The licensing authority has the discretion to issue for any purpose he/she deems proper. That may include an unrestricted LTC issued for "All Lawful Purposes" or one with restrictions such as Target and Hunting, Sporting, Personal Protection, employment or any of a number of other restrictions. A violation can result in a $5000 fine plus loss of the LTC. The problem is that there are no statutory criteria for the imposed restrictions. As such, what "Sporting" means in one jurisdiction may have an entirely different meaning in another. Does it really mean just target and hunting? It does in some jurisdictions, while in other jurisdictions it includes hiking, camping and protection from rabid animals. Can a person with a Target and Hunting or Sporting LTC defend themselves with a handgun in their home? Some Police Chiefs have said yes while others say no. This lack of clarity will likely cost an unsuspecting licensee a $5000 fine. A license issued for "All Lawful Purposes" eliminates the ambiguity of these restrictions. While some have argued that such a license is not allowed, the words "All Lawful Purposes" are not included in section 131 of chapter 140 as a reason for issuance. There is no statutory requirement to impose specific restrictions. They must be imposed only if the licensing authority deems that it is proper to do so. Again, the licensing authority might consider that if restrictions are appropriate because of suitability, he/she might be better served by denying the LTC altogether.

According to the Firearms Record Bureau, over three quarters of the departments in the state are issuing licenses for "All Lawful Purposes". This is also how the Police Chief in Williamsburg issues licenses to alleviate this problem. Departments issuing primarily "All Lawful Purpose" LTC’s still have the option of issuing restricted licenses where appropriate to certain individuals, or denying licenses entirely for suitability.

Q. Isn’t a LTC issued for "Personal Protection" more appropriate for carrying than one issued for "All Lawful Purposes?"
A. Now that there is a penalty for violation of restrictions, any restricted license should be interpreted as being restricted only to the purpose listed. Therefore, a LTC issued for "Personal Protection" might be viewed by some enforcement officers as not being appropriate for target practice. While this may seem unreasonable, many interpretations regarding restrictions will seem unreasonable and still result in a $5000 fine.

Some Police Chiefs have told applicants that they cannot carry concealed with a LTC issued for "All Lawful Purposes". This is untrue. Since there is no statutory restriction preventing concealed carry by a person with a Class A LTC, a prohibition against carrying would only exist if a restriction of some sort were placed on the LTC. A LTC issued for "All Lawful Purposes" is clearly not a restriction. Most licensing authorities will find a LTC issued for "All Lawful Purposes" better suited for multiple lawful activities than one issued only for "Personal Protection". As a side note, the Police Chief in Williamsburg does not issue LTC’s for protection of life and property as was previously done. Use of deadly force to protect property is not lawful and should not be encouraged by listing it as a reason for issue.

Q. What does a LTC issued for "All Lawful Purposes" allow a licensee to do?
A. A license issued for "All Lawful Purposes" means there are no specific restrictions on the LTC except that the licensee must comply with the law. Knowing and understanding the law is the responsibility of the licensee.

Q. Does a LTC issued for "All Lawful Purposes" allow a person to carry a concealed firearm?
A. Such a license does not restrict the carrying of a concealed firearm except where otherwise prohibited by law. However, a LTC issued for "All Lawful Purposes" (as we do in Williamsburg) should NOT be viewed as encouragement to carry a concealed firearm in public, nor does it suggest that carrying a firearm in any manner is appropriate or even lawful in all circumstances. Such issuance only implies that no specific restrictions are being imposed by the licensing authority on the licensee’s lawful and proper carrying of a firearm.

Q. How should I carry legally possessed firearms?
A. Massachusetts has no special license for concealed firearms. It is recommended, however, that a licensee who carries a firearm out-of-doors, carry it either in an enclosed case or concealed from public view. This will generally cause fewer problems than a firearm carried openly visible to the public.

Q. What should I do when lawfully carrying a concealed firearm and am confronted by a police officer?
A. If confronted by police for any reason, it is recommended that an armed licensee keep both hands in clear view and inform the officer that he or she is licensed to carry a firearm and is presently carrying one on his or her person. The licensee should then take direction form the officer to ensure a safe outcome to the encounter.

Q. What should I do if I lose my license or FID card? Can a License Authority make a photocopy from the copy they have in the police department files?
A. No. Copies of licenses or FID cards are not valid. A new license or FID card must be issued. The Applicant must repeat the entire process except that a fingerprint card is not needed for renewals. Fees must be paid again.

Q. Does a LTC issued for "All Lawful Purposes" allow me to do anything I want with a firearm as long as I do not violate the law?
A. NO! All licensees are expected to behave not only lawfully, but also responsibly. This means that the firearm must be used and carried not only lawfully, but also in a safe and appropriate manner. The licensee should not display or allow his/her firearm to be displayed inappropriately in a public place so as to frighten or alarm those present. Such an incident is likely to result in the police being dispatched to a call for a "Person With A Gun" and will require police intervention to determine that the firearm is being possessed or carried in a lawful manner. The licensee must understand that the commission of ANY inappropriate, unsafe, threatening or unlawful act while carrying a firearm may result in the immediate revocation of the license.

Q. Can I apply for a "License to Carry" from the local licensing authority of a town where I have a place of business?
A. General laws Chapter 140, Section 131D states that a person residing or having a place of business within the jurisdiction of the licensing authority or any person residing in the area of exclusive federal jurisdiction located within a city or town may submit to the licensing authority an application for a Class A or Class B license to carry firearms.

Q. If I have an FID card and now want to apply for a LTC, am I required by law to take a state approved safety course?
A. No. First time applicants for an FID Card or a LTC are required to take a state approved safety course or state hunter education course. Current CMR’s promulgated by the state police clearly indicate that a subsequent safety course is not statutorily required when upgrading from an FID to an LTC. However, this does not prevent the licensing authority (Police Chief) from legally requiring an applicant to attend the additional safety course. A licensing authority could decide that your failure to take a course required by that agency amounts to unsuitability and the LTC could be denied.

Q. If I was formerly in the military and received training in firearms or previously had a pistol permit from another state, am I exempt from taking the required safety course?
A. No. There are no exemptions for former military personnel, former pistol permit holders from another state or graduates from a hunter safety program from another state. All such persons regardless of their experience must complete the required course for their first FID Card or LTC.


Q. Can a person who is not otherwise exempt by statute possess a firearm, rifle or shotgun in his home without an FID Card?
A. No. Under M.G.L. Chapter 140, Section 129C a person who is not a dealer, does not have a LTC or is not otherwise an exempted person as outlined in Section 129, must possess an FID card to have a firearm, rifle, shotgun or even ammunition in his home.

Q. Can a person with an FID Card but without a LTC possess a firearm in his home?
A. Such a person can only possess the firearm (handgun) if he has an FID and it was purchased with a Permit to Purchase authorized under Section 131A. This requirement is outlined in Chapter 358, Section 11 of the Acts of 1998. This amendment for Chapter 180 deals with the expiration/transition dates for the FID Card. This information cannot be found elsewhere in Chapter 140.

Q. Can a person under 18 possess an air gun in a public place?
A. Yes, providing he is accompanied by an adult OR is the holder of a hunting license AND has on his person a permit from the chief of police allowing for such possession.

Q. Can an adult shoot a BB gun wherever he wants?
A. No. No person may shoot a BB shot or pellet from an air gun into, from or across any street, alley, public way, railroad or railroad right of way.

Q. If a minor under 18 is on private property and is not shooting at or across a public way, are there any restrictions he should be concerned with?
A. Yes. A minor cannot discharge a BB shot or pellet from an air gun ANYWHERE unless he is accompanied by an adult or is the holder of a hunting or sporting license.

Q. Can the provisions of Chapter 269, Sections 12A and 12B be applied to paint ball guns?
A. Yes. The case law regarding Sections 12A and 12B refer to these two sections as regulating all types of air guns. This would include most if not all currently available paint ball guns.


Q. I know that you cannot hunt on Sundays in Massachusetts. Can a person walk in the woods on Sundays and carry a gun?
A. On Sundays you are prohibited from carrying a rifle or shotgun anyplace where birds or mammals may be found other than on land owned or leased by you or at a target shooting range. This prohibition includes handguns also, except for an exemption that says "unless otherwise permitted by law". If your LTC is issued only for target and hunting, you would be prohibited from carrying in the woods on a Sunday. If the LTC is issued for "Any Lawful Purpose" (which would automatically include personal protection), you would be permitted to carry your handgun where birds or mammals are found on a Sunday. There is also an exemption for law enforcement in the performance of their duties.

Q. What are the regulations with regards to hunting near a road?
A. You cannot fire a gun within 150 feet of a hard-surfaced road or state highway and you cannot shoot across such a road regardless of how far away you are when you fire the shot.

Q. How far away from a house should a person be when hunting?
A. If you have a loaded gun or you are hunting, you must stay at least 500 feet away from any dwelling in use unless you have permission of the owner or occupant.

Q. Are there any restrictions about drinking alcoholic beverages while hunting or shooting?
A. Chapter 131, Section 62 prohibits anyone from hunting, carrying a firearm or target shooting while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Q. If a person is hunting and comes back to his truck to eat lunch and take a break, does he have to unload his shotgun?
A. Yes, he/she would have to unload his shotgun if he were going to bring the shotgun inside his truck or rest it upon any portion of his truck. Chapter 131, Section 63 prohibits possession of a loaded shotgun or rifle in or on a motor vehicle. It does not matter that the vehicle is parked.

Q. Can a person carry a loaded shotgun on an ATV and use the ATV for hunting?
A. No. He/she cannot use any type of motor vehicle to hunt in Massachusetts. He/she can carry it unloaded on the ATV to travel to and from a hunting location and to transport a legally harvested animal. However, the shotgun must be unloaded and in an enclosed case while riding upon the ATV, pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 90B, Section 26.

Q. Can a non-resident obtain a permit to carry a weapon in Massachusetts?
A. M.G.L. Chapter 140, Section 131F allows the Colonel of the State Police or his designee to issue temporary licenses to carry to non-residents or persons not falling within the jurisdiction of the local licensing authority. Currently, the Firearms Record Bureau has been designated to issue permits to non-residents. The Bureau may be reached at (617)660-4780.

Q. The 209A restraining order that a person’s ex-wife had against him has been dropped. Are the police required to return his license to carry firearms to him immediately?
A. No. Because a license to carry firearms is issued to a suitable person, the licensing authority must make a determination of suitability. Vacating a restraining order does not automatically mean a return of the LTC. The licensing authority will normally review the initial affidavit that was filed when the restraining order was obtained, combined with any related police reports. Based on a review of those documents, a department may or may not return the LTC. Even if the department does not immediately return the LTC, it may be returned after a period of time when no further domestic violence has been reported.

Q. Does every gun in a home have to be locked all of the time?
A. No. Only guns that are stored or kept must be secured. Guns that are under the control of the lawful owner or authorized user are not required to be locked or secured. Under the control of such person does not necessarily mean carried on the person. Under control should be viewed as being in such proximity to the lawful owner or authorized user that such person could prevent unauthorized access. Obviously, if unauthorized access is gained, this would be prima facia evidence that the gun was not secured in accordance with Section 131L.

Q. Do homeowners have to buy a metal container or safe to comply with Chapter 140, Section 131L?
A. No. A person may use a trigger or cable lock, a cloth or hard locking gun case, a locked wooden gun cabinet, a locked closet or any other locking device or CONTAINER that would prevent an unauthorized person from gaining access to a gun.