New guidance issued for firearms licences
Updated guidance by the College of Policing aims to support policing to deliver a more consistent service, with public safety as a top priority, for members of the public applying for or renewing firearms licences.
The guidance sets standards for officers and staff who are considering firearms licensing applications, encouraging consistency as well as ensuring fair and safe assessment of applications and enforcement of the law.
The aim of this revised guidance is to complement the Home Office statutory guidance by helping officers and staff conduct suitability assessments of licence applicants and holders and make appropriate decisions that reflect public safety as a priority.
The guidance will inform national training for firearms licensing staff which is currently being developed.
David Tucker, College of Policing head of crime, said: “It’s important to stress the vital role police forces carry out when assessing suitability and making decisions on whether it is deemed safe to grant or renew a licence to members of the public allowing them to possess a firearm. Our guidance makes clear that there is a need for comprehensive investigation and careful assessment of risks, taking account of all available information, when deciding whether or not a person can safely hold a firearms licence.
“When used unlawfully, firearms pose an incredibly serious threat to our communities.
“The police have a duty to protect the public from all crimes which includes the potential misuse of legal firearms. Therefore, it’s important that our firearms licensing teams work to consistent standards and use guidance to assist them with assessing suitability, making decisions and enforcing the law.”
Chief Constable Debbie Tedds, National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for firearms licensing and explosives, said: “The strengthening of the Authorised Professional Practice (APP), which provides national standards for all firearms licensing units, will provide the consistency required across policing when granting or renewing licences.
“There have been a number of changes and developments to support greater consistency within Firearms Licensing Units across the country. We welcomed the new statutory guidance for firearms licensing from the Home Office which enhances the already extensive checks undertaken to help ensure only those who are deemed suitable to carry a firearms licence will receive one. The need for medical records to be viewed by officers carrying out the licensing check, is something policing has been encouraging for many years and have been utilising as part of the Home Office scheme. Working with the College of Policing the development of national training for firearms licensing managers has begun and we look forward to this being rolled out next year.”