BASC police training gathers pace across Wales

BASC Wales continues to support police firearms licensing and rural crime teams, recently delivering training sessions to North Wales Police and Gwent Police.

North Wales Police’s divisional headquarters provided the venue for BASC to run detailed sessions on firearms law for front-line and administrative staff in the firearms licensing department. 

The training included discussion on the future of lead ammunition and night shooting, along with a session on deer stalking. Officers were shown how thermal imaging can aid safety and fieldwork, using a HikMicro device to demonstrate its capability.

At Gwent Police’s Nant-y-Moor shooting ground near Newport, BASC staff provided practical training for members of the rural crime team. 

Officers gained experience across different shooting disciplines and learned about firearms legislation and the safe handling of firearms they may encounter in their duties. The day included opportunities to try clay pigeon and air rifle shooting.

BASC also delivered sessions for wildlife crime officers, building their understanding of trapping and night shooting. The training also covered lawful firearm use in the countryside.

BASC’s Wales director Steve Griffiths said: “It is crucial to provide educational sessions to our Welsh police forces, enabling officers and support staff to better understand the legal aspects of shooting and the practical conservation work carried out by our members. These sessions strengthen knowledge and build closer working relationships between BASC and the police.”

For more information and advice on firearms law and licensing, visit our advice hub here.