Deputy Mayor Tells You How To Get on the Township's "Do Not Knock" List

The following letter was written by Deputy Mayor Bruce D. Sisler of Morris Township. Sisler was behind an amendment to the township's canvassing and soliciting ordinance that creates a "No Solicitation" list–in effect, a “Do-Not-Knock” list for residents.  

Dear Morris Township Residents:

 There has been an ongoing concern in Morris Township about individuals and organizations that solicit in residential neighborhoods without getting approval from the Police Department.  As recently as last fall in the Fairchild section, an illegitimate organization was selling magazine subscriptions under the auspices of assisting college students with tuition expenses.  I am very concerned for all of our residents, but especially our seniors and other vulnerable individuals who may fall prey to these schemes.

While there are many legitimate organizations that apply for and receive the required permits, undergo a background investigation and follow the rules to solicit or canvass in Morris Township, we often find individuals going door to door selling magazine subscriptions, promoting home improvements, offering products for sale and marketing individual services.

Often these people are not legitimate and may be involved in criminal activity or have a past history of criminal behavior.

In response to these concerns, I introduced and the Morris Township Committee enacted an amendment to our canvassing and soliciting ordinance. This new legislation establishes a "No Solicitation" list for our residents: in effect, a “Do-Not-Knock” list.  The ordinance now prohibits for-profit organizations from soliciting at addresses of residents who have requested to have their address placed on the list.

Due to Federal Law, the "No Solicitation" list can not apply to bonafide religious, charitable, benevolent, educational, political organizations or political candidates. However, we are urging all organizations to request a copy of the "No Solicitation" list, be a good neighbor and respect the wishes of these homeowners.  

The only information a resident needs to supply to be listed on the "No Solicitation" list is the physical address of the property. If you wish to have your address placed on the "No Solicitation" list, please contact the Municipal Clerk's Office at 973-326-7430 or e-mail clerksdept@morristwp.com.

 Anyone going door to door in residential neighborhoods promoting a for-profit business or service MUST have a canvassing permit from the Morris Township Police Department. If you choose not to be on the “No Solicitation” list and someone comes to your door, please ask to see their permit and if they do not have such, call the Morris Township Police Department at 973-539-0777 to report the individual or organization. A police officer will respond to locate the individual and conduct an investigation into their legitimacy.

 Finally, I ask that if you have a neighbor that might benefit by the “No Solicitation” list, please inform them.  It is our duty as friends and neighbors to look out for one another and this can be beneficial to our quality of life here in the Morris Township, the Jewel of Morris County.