In Massachusetts, who is responsible for issuing firearm licenses?

In Massachusetts, the responsibility for issuing firearm licenses lies with the local police department or the licensing authority in the city or town where the applicant resides. This decentralized approach allows for each municipality to manage the licensing process according to local regulations and conditions. The local authority conducts background checks, assesses the applicant's suitability, and determines whether to grant or deny the application based on state and local laws.

The other options, while they involve firearms and public safety in some capacity, do not serve as the licensing authority. The Massachusetts State Police primarily oversee statewide law enforcement and provide support to local agencies, but they are not the direct body issuing licenses. The Federal Bureau of Investigation focuses on federal law enforcement and background checks but doesn't issue firearm licenses themselves. Similarly, the Department of Public Safety oversees various aspects of public safety but does not handle individual firearm licenses in Massachusetts.