Section 172M. Notwithstanding section 172 or any other general or special law to the contrary, a person licensed pursuant to section 122 of chapter 140 shall obtain from the department all available criminal offender record information prior to accepting a person as an employee to determine the suitability of such employee who may have direct and unmonitored contact with firearms, shotguns or rifles. A person obtaining information pursuant to this section shall not disseminate such information for any purpose other than the further protection of public safety.