Manchester Considers “No Knock” Registry

Manchester Township officials are asking for the public's input as they consider implementing a "No Knock" registry.

Similar to the "Do Not Call" list, a "No Knock" registry allows residents to opt-out of allowing solicitors to knock on their doors. Jackson and Lakehurst already have similar policies in place, and Manchester Mayor Ken Palmer says he wants to know what people think before making any decision.

"There's a lot of issues that go into the 'No Knock' registry," Palmer said. "We want to make sure that our residents understand the issues and we can hear from them as to what their concerns are, so we get it right."

Palmer says one of the main issues is freedom of speech, but that has to be balanced against people's right to privacy.

"Certainly, there's First Amendment issues, people have a right to go and have free speech, and you don't want to curtail anyone's civil rights," Palmer said. "But also, we also don't want solicitors knocking on the door four times a day, looking to sell whatever they are peddling."

Palmer says if the "No Knock" registry is adopted, it would work hand-in-hand with the township's current ordinance that requires solicitors to obtain a permit before going door-to-door. Applicants would be given a list of homes on the registry where solicitation would not be allowed.

A Public Information Session on the possibility of a "No Knock" registry will be held at the Manchester Township Council meeting at 6pm on Tuesday, October 13, 2015. The Council meets in the Municipal Complex Courtroom, located at 1 Colonial Drive.