Police Chief: Misinformation Creating Misconception About Proposed Gun Range

LONG VALLEY, N.J. – A proposed gun range to be used exclusively by the Washington Township Police Department for firearms training has received some push back from the community, but the top cop says there’s too much misinformation being thrown around.

The range, which would be established on the northern end of Reservoir Road near Route 46, would be used by the police department six to eight times each year, Chief Jeff Almer said. All equipment needed to create the outdoor range would be donated or come from officers themselves and not require any money from the township or taxpayers.

See related: Cops Detail Shooting Range Idea, Residents Launch Opposition Petition

In a statement released Monday, Almer said:

The Police Department along with the Township Committee is currently exploring putting a small range within Washington Township on Reservoir Road for training purposes, to be used six to eight times per year. Unfortunately, there are a lot of misconceptions and misinformation about the process, and there are a lot of things being passed around through social media. I would like to explain and educate everyone regarding the proposal and the facts, and welcome anyone who has concerns or questions to contact me. I think once everyone knows the facts regarding qualifying, range safety, sound, precautions, construction, location, training options, environmental impact, usage/hours, active shooter training, rifle programs, etc., they will be able to make a more well informed decision, either for or against.

Since the original discussions months ago, there have been changes in order to make the plan safer and limit its use strictly to Washington Township Police Officers. It is a work in progress and the concept is being molded to limit its impact on the Township while ensuring the best possible training area for the officers.

If you have concerns, questions, or just want to have a cup of coffee and discuss things within the Township, please contact me anytime to arrange a meeting, or just stop by.

In the time since the proposal was made public, dozens of Washington Township residents have formed a group called Long Valley Concerned Citizens Against Gun Range, which circulated a petition and have an active Facebook page.

The police department went before the Washington Township Committee in February to present the plans and is now set to meet with the Morris County Open Space Committee for further approval on March 30 at 7:30 p.m. at 4 Schuyler Place in Morristown. Washington Township Mayor Bill Roehrich is a member of the Open Space Committee. The meeting is open to the public.