Project Titanium

BASC’s head of firearms, Martin Parker, provides an update on Project Titanium.

We believe Project Titanium was originally instigated by the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS). It was a means of identifying evidence of domestic violence by potential certificate holders. 

Domestic violence was highlighted by the Home Office Statutory Guidance as one of the key considerations before granting a certificate.

BASC raised some concerns with the original MPS questionnaire. Since then, however, other forces have introduced their own version. Examples that BASC has seen give considerable concern, in that many of the questions can be seen as either leading or totally irrelevant. This, combined with potential bias by an interviewer, is likely to lead to disproportionate decisions not based on sound evidence.

Quoted in the shooting press this week, BASC’s director of firearms, Bill Harriman, said: “BASC works for a licensing system that protects public safety. It is not in the public interest or the interest of those who shoot for unsuitable people to be licensed to own firearms. But it’s also important to make sure safeguards are in place against malicious accusations of abuse – departments must make sure they assess the evidence properly, rather than being risk-averse and denying certificates on the basis of groundless allegations. BASC is always ready to work with the police to help achieve consistency of practice across police forces.” 

BASC and other shooting organisations will be raising their concerns with representatives of the Firearms & Explosives Licensing Working Group (FELWG) and the Home Office this week.

For further advice and guidance on firearms law and licensing, head to our dedicated pages here.