CIVIL RIGHTS UPDATE: Police Refuse to Give Gun Possession License Because of “Association” with Criminals, New Jersey Courts Reverse.

By letter dated April 7, 2009, the Hillside Township Chief of Police (Chief) denied Starr Barrett’s application for a firearms purchaser identification card (FPIC) and handgun purchase permit (permit). After a hearing on November 20, 2009, the trial court reversed the Chief’s decision and granted Barrett’s application. Hillside Township (Hillside) appeals the trial court’s decision, claiming that the issuance of the FPIC and permit to Barrett is not “in the interest of the public health, safety or welfare” because of her association with the father of her seven-year-old child and the father’s cousin.... [W]e affirm. ...