New police guidance on firearms licensing “positive”, says BASC
Updated Authorised Professional Practice guidance around firearms licensing, issued by the College of Policing, has been hailed as beneficial by BASC.
BASC lodges police complaint
BASC has lodged an official complaint with the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) following comments made by Merseyside Police around legally-held firearms.
A newspaper carried quotes that the force had: “work ongoing to remove and reduce the amount of lawfully-owned firearms across Merseyside so that they don’t fall into the wrong hands”, and that “the force is prevention driven so we are looking at removing that threat before it emanates”.
BASC stated in its complaint that the comments were both intimidatory and discriminatory towards certificate holders.
Bill Harriman, BASC’s director of firearms, said: “The unevidenced comments undermine the credibility of the Merseyside Police Firearms Licensing Unit by asserting that certificate holders now pose a risk to public safety.
Shooting is a popular pastime, activity and sport, providing thousands of jobs in the UK, and the licensing process is most successful when there is co-operation between the shooting community and police. These comments are incredibly damaging to that relationship and need rectifying.”
For advice and guidance on firearms and firearms licensing, head to our dedicated pages here.
Share
Bullet points
Throughout history, many writers have used sporting metaphors when seeking a really vivid image. Use sporting metaphors to make a real impact!
Additional resources for firearms licensing in Cumbria following BASC meeting
The Chief Constable of Cumbria police has committed additional resources to firearms licensing in the region to cut delays for certificate renewals.
