Swampscott, Massachusetts Selectman Barry Greenfield is pushing a measure to give police the authority to conduct home searches to check proper storage of firearms.

Greenfield said “state law requires Massachusetts gun owners to keep their firearms locked away or rendered inoperable.” There are “600 registered gun owners in [Swampscott],” and the selectman wants police to be able to drop in unannounced, enter the homes of each gun owner, and verify compliance.

According to the Swampscott Patch, Greenfield has spoken with Swampscott Police Chief Ron Madigan about this issue, and has spoken with other selectmen. At least one of the selectmen–Glenn Kessler–said he wants all parties, including citizens, brought together for a discussion on this topic before any action is taken.

Kessler also pointed to civil liberty concerns inherent in allowing police to enter homes unannounced and without first securing a warrant.

Follow AWR Hawkins on Twitter @AWRHawkins.