FAC/SGC Renewal

[wymberley]

'ere, this can't be bad!

Subject forms just landed on my doormat 3 months in advance from the Devon & Cornwall Constab'.

The letter detailing the change does not specify whether it's grant and renewal but I suspect renewal only.

There is now no need to send the completed forms off. A phone call will be made to the applicant to arrange a visit to collect the application, check security and carry out an interview. This means no silly delays should one have made a mistake on the forms if nothing else but should also speed up the whole process.

Cheers

[MJN]

essex is the same, do not post anyhting off they come to you, take cheque and forms, and for renewal, tell you to post the old cert back once new one has arrived !

M.

[al4x]

blimey that is spot on, have to say posted mine off a while ago and no news yet. Might be a tactic for Herts to think about as lets face it all background checks can be done anyway without the forms so it stops them being lost on peoples desks at the bottom of the pile

[apache]

There is now no need to send the completed forms off. A phone call will be made to the applicant to arrange a visit to collect the application, check security and carry out an interview.

 

The letter detailing the change does not specify whether it's grant and renewal but I suspect renewal only.

 

If it was grants then you would be relying on the police somehow sensing you wanted a SGC or a FAC and telepathically contact you!

[wymberley]

If it was grants then you would be relying on the police somehow sensing you wanted a SGC or a FAC and telepathically contact you!

Not necessarily. My reason for doubting the process as detailed for a grant was that it would mean the applicant forking out for and installing a cabinet without having any idea whether or not the application would be granted. However, as one of the main reasons for a delay (and extra work for the police) is incorrectly completed forms (which you acquired in the usual manner) it may just pay for the FEO to visit, check the paperwork for accuracy, advise on security - you may already have some shotguns and are applying for FAC and this may take you over the magic figure (6 down here) where an alarm is necessary and do the interview. Then, if all is well you could be so informed and arrange for a second quick visit to check the required security and hand over the certificate. I concede that this may not be deemed practical but it would prevent all the time and effort wasted over incorrectly completed paperwork.

[wymberley]

Perhaps another bit that may make life easier for some. Just started filling in the forms and down yer in Devon the (FAC) land usage/permission is pre printed for the farmer to quickly complete for his permission for you to shoot on his land. "HIS" being the operative word and for this purpose a tenant farmer qualifies.

For shotgun cert. the counter-signatories also appear to be amended and provided they have been farming on their own land for at least two years, farmers are now deemed acceptable and again, tenant farmers qualify.

So, if you've been shooting on a farm for 2 years or more with the same farmer whether he be land owner or tenant then you've got a friendly face to act as the counter-signatory for your SGC.

Hope that helps some that find getting a counter-signature is not always easy.

Cheers