Somerset County commissioners are revisiting the policy of auctioning forfeited firearms linked to crimes instead of destroying them. Sheriff Dale Lancaster expressed intent to change the current policy, which mandates that such guns be destroyed following court orders, highlighting that many seized weapons may still hold some value. This debate intensifies as state legislators propose a bill requiring the destruction of all forfeited firearms, leaving the commissioners to consider both the financial implications and community safety concerns.
During a recent meeting, at least three commissioners signaled tentative support for exploring the auctioning option, emphasizing the potential for generating revenue, albeit modest. Sheriff Lancaster remarks that the majority of the guns are “junk” and may not yield significant profit, yet underscores the complexities of returning any firearms to circulation. With a focus on responsible firearm disposition, county officials now face important decisions that could influence both local policies and state legislation regarding firearm management.
Read full story at www.centralmaine.com
