Adult use of guns, whether civilians or police, leads to many a newspaper headline.
So how do grown-ups with real guns learn safe and responsible use of them? One way is to be trained at a shooting range. Police need to train at intervals to keep up their skills
Which brings me to a reader's question: How do residents feel about having a shooting range in Plainfield? More specifically, how do they feel about a shooting range in the 1500 block of West Front Street?
You can comment in the box below. After you write your comment, scroll down to the bottom where it says "Publish" and click. Please give reasons why you approve or disapprove. I am not on the computer every minute, but will check often and post comments as soon as possible.
--Bernice
No absolutely not.We will not stand or allow this in our city.We are striving to keep our people educated,employed and alive.And guns represent death.So we're opposed to such a plan. Mr.X
ReplyDeleteNot sure. Since Ray's Sporting Goods on Rt 22 left, how have Police or Sports persons been learning/practicing now? Out in the woods like old times?
ReplyDeleteRight near a school? I grew up in West End and remember the gun shots from the 70's unrest in the middle of the night. This is unacceptable economic development.
ReplyDeleteNO.
ReplyDeleteRebecca
Best response I read so far.
DeleteRichard Stewart
Im not a supporter of guns at all but if the council approved a strip club in a residential neightborhood why not a shooting range? As long as all guns used in the facility are properly registered and legal, any illegal guns should be confiscated and reported to Police Dept.
ReplyDeleteI am not a gun owner nor an NRA supporter, but grew up with guns and learned to shoot by the time I was 10. I'm not totally opposed to a shooting range, but where is key and who will run it, and will those using the range have to prove lawful ownership of the guns. This is a serious step and needs serious thought.
ReplyDeleteFirst, to pose an open question without further details begs for a negative response from the public. While I was employed by the City Police Division, I advocated for and proposed the creation of a shooting range for POLICE USE ONLY for training and requalification purposes to save time traveling out of city twice a year to use another municipal range next to a library and school. The location I proposed was at Roosevelt and East Fourth, the city vacant lot next to the train tracks. Grant funding and Asset Forfeiture funding would have been the source to pay for it. However, that was under the previous administration and my idea didn't get a positive reception.
ReplyDeleteNevertheless, I think more specific information is needed before a wise decision can be made. As a concept, I am in favor of a Municipal Training Range for Law Enforcement use only. 1500 Block of West Front is also an Industrial area as well. I am assuming the location would be inside one of the industrial buildings on West Front Street with the appropriate safety construction requirements.
The reader offered no details other than it would be "for township police departments and the general public." I did reply to his email by saying I did not think it was a permitted use and he would have to deal with the land use boards. I mentioned that he could seek a conceptual hearing if he wished.
DeleteShould I take it to mean that this a private venture? If so, then I am opposed to the range. I was under the impression that this would be a municipal governement (Police) undertaking with Asset Forfeiture funding.
DeleteIn an isolated area away from all residences? Maybe... My heart tells me no however...
ReplyDeleteGive me one name of a REGISTERED gun owner involved in the city's gun-related crime and only then will I listen to an argument about gun education and training. Let's be real, gun violence in the city is committed by unregistered individuals with unregistered guns with no intention of seeking gun education or training. They are trying to stay off the radar not succumb to it. This is a non-starter and barely deserves a discussion (unless to unify all residents about how stupid an idea it is).
ReplyDeleteRichard Stewart
I am not opposed to guns or gun ranges in general, but a shooting range on Front Street should be out of the question. We have enough problems enticing shoppers into a struggling downtown. This would negate all the positive progress we have made in Plainfield and make further progress even more difficult. Ask yourself -- is this anything that would even be considered in neighboring Union County towns? I think not.
ReplyDeleteWhat became of the shooting range in the basement of police headquarters? I'm surprised no one has mentioned it. Perhaps it is long gone and the space used for something else.
ReplyDeleteBill, that range has been gone for decades. It was used sparingly in the early 80's when I cam on the job.
DeleteThey just opened a new gun range and store on route 22 in Green Brook.
ReplyDeleteRB
At anonymous 1:08.........that is a gun store and simulated target practice.
ReplyDeleteAre you kidding me?
ReplyDeleteI oppose a gun range store here in our city.
ReplyDeleteMore comprehensively--I disapprove of the idea of a gun range in Plainfield because I think there is better space in some other municipality for those who want to do this recreationally--think of shooting galleries with ducks at Bowcraft or something. I think we should be thinking about a better use--a commercial, industrial use that would involve training and employment.
ReplyDeleteRebecca
I believe this is really good idea! Ever since Rays sporting goods on 22 shut down, there's been a lack of a shooting range for the neighboring towns. There is a demand from police departments as well as citizens. All the private shooting clubs nearby have long been filled and have waiting lists. I've heard of some kids and even adults shooting in their backyards and setting up targets, which is really dangerous. I've been to the shooting range in Randolph and it's very clean and safe, many rangers there to teach you how to properly shoot and help you when your gun jams or anything. They've never had an incident either. Historically, gun ranges have a very low rate of accidents. More people get hurt with guns at homes than at ranges.
ReplyDeleteI believe a shooting range here would be good for police officers and citizens who want to learn gun safety and also for recreation. People who want to own a gun for protection should have a safe place to be able to practice and our officers should have a place to ensure they are trained for the field!