In Massachusetts, who is required by law to report a lost or stolen firearm?

In Massachusetts, the legal requirement for reporting a lost or stolen firearm stipulates that the firearm owner must notify the local police department about the loss or theft. This dual obligation ensures that the incident is documented officially and allows law enforcement to take appropriate action in preventing potential criminal use of the firearm. Additionally, notifying the police helps in the recovery of the firearm and maintains public safety.

The expectation that both the firearm owner and the local police department are involved in this process reinforces the importance of accountability among gun owners as well as the need for law enforcement to be aware of such incidents. This collaborative reporting mechanism is designed to enhance community safety and ensure proper tracking of firearms within the state, thereby fostering responsible gun ownership.