His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) – thematic inspection
His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) are carrying out a thematic inspection of the firearms licensing system across police forces in England and Wales. They will examine how police forces keep the public safe while making sure that their possession of firearms is lawful.
In their inspection, they will consider the efficiency and effectiveness of:
national guidance and legislation;
local policies and processes;
national, regional and local governance arrangements;
training for firearms licensing personnel
funding and resourcing.
We have already been interviewed in respect of the inspection and strongly advocated for a reorganisation of the firearms licensing process in England and Wales. It is readily apparent and can be strongly evidenced that the current disparate structure of 43 individual forces does not provide consistency in process or professional curiosity, leading to wildly varying service levels and risks to public safety.
We strongly believe that the most significant risk to public safety is not certificate holders; it is the inconsistent, under-resourced and poorly performing firearms licensing departments of some of the 43 police services in England and Wales.
HMICFRS have asked for the views of certificate holders and RFDs. The links are available below. We urge you to complete this and have your voices heard.
The closing date is 5 December 20925.
Individual certificate Holders
https://www.homeofficesurveys.homeoffice.gov.uk/s/LLI6JJ/
RFDs