phaedra1106 Posted January 24, 2014 Report Share Posted January 24, 2014 (edited) While Durham are by no means the slowest force when it comes to licensing they are unfortunately one of the worst for adding their own conditions and interpretations of the Firearms Act and Guidance. The IPCC report is highly critical of both the FLM and Chief Constable in several areas including the handling of the Atherton case. They reported several areas where mistakes and bad practices had been made. I've had a few problems with Durham adding additional unlawful conditions (Sec.1 shotgun for PSG) and demanding more details than are required by law or guidance when applying for a rifle but they have, on the whole, been pretty good, certainly a lot better than several other forces who have massive waiting times (as in several months) for even a simple variation. Hopefully they will sort themselves out but the current unlawful request for applicants to obtain and submit doctors reports is not a sign of things changing for the better. Edited January 24, 2014 by phaedra1106 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luckyshot Posted January 24, 2014 Report Share Posted January 24, 2014 While Durham are by no means the slowest force when it comes to licensing they are unfortunately one of the worst for adding their own conditions and interpretations of the Firearms Act and Guidance. The IPCC report is highly critical of both the FLM and Chief Constable in several areas including the handling of the Atherton case. They reported several areas where mistakes and bad practices had been made. I've had a few problems with Durham adding additional unlawful conditions (Sec.1 shotgun for PSG) and demanding more details than are required by law or guidance when applying for a rifle but they have, on the whole, been pretty good, certainly a lot better than several other forces who have massive waiting times (as in several months) for even a simple variation. Hopefully they will sort themselves out but the current unlawful request for applicants to obtain and submit doctors reports is not a sign of things changing for the better. That is not an issue just don't fill it in and tell them to proceed with your grant/renewal, you dont need basc or any other shooting organisation to do this for you. As for conditions Ive never personally had a bad condition yet, the aolq condition needs some work still but at least they are now giving it to us. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phaedra1106 Posted January 24, 2014 Report Share Posted January 24, 2014 (edited) Which is exactly what I said earlier, just don't fill it in What concerns me more is that instead of concentrating on providing a better service and correctly adhering to firearms law and home office guidelines they've done exactly the opposite and introduced a completely unnecessary extra requirement which is of no benefit to anyone and is a complete waste of their limited resources. Edited January 24, 2014 by phaedra1106 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davyo Posted January 24, 2014 Report Share Posted January 24, 2014 8 mths for my son,feo didnt know i held both fac/sg, took 8 mths .cock up after cock up. sons fac/sg eventually came after BASC called them,Certs came with wrong fore name on.Dont hold your breath mate sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phaedra1106 Posted January 24, 2014 Report Share Posted January 24, 2014 (edited) Indeed, I said after my sons interview that I doubted it would be that fast, my FAC application took just over 3 months back in 2011 when I already had my SGC and had previously held both for about 16 years back in the late 70's - early 90's. Edited January 24, 2014 by phaedra1106 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nderfel Posted January 24, 2014 Report Share Posted January 24, 2014 Dorset are being pretty slow for me at the moment as well, i wouldnt mind if they kept me informed but its just radio silence and whenever i call them they can't or wont commit to any timelines Hey ho, i'll just have to be patient i suppose Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phaedra1106 Posted January 24, 2014 Report Share Posted January 24, 2014 If you're a member of BASC please let them know about it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nderfel Posted January 24, 2014 Report Share Posted January 24, 2014 I am a member so i will give them a call, its been just over 6 weeks now which, considerign i have a sgc already is a fair while for no contact, Christmas period or none. I will email BASC this afternoon Thanks Nick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geoff75 Posted January 24, 2014 Author Report Share Posted January 24, 2014 (edited) I was told by the firearms department that all applications should be completed in 90 days,so why do people have to wait 6,7 sometimes 8 months .i was also told that refusing to fill in the medical part would delay the application nowhere did it say on the form that it was compulsory it stated that all new applications and renewals had to complete the form and submit to your doctor . Edited January 24, 2014 by geoff75 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phaedra1106 Posted January 24, 2014 Report Share Posted January 24, 2014 If you were told that not filling it in would delay your application then please PM "David BASC" on here and give him the details. http://forums.pigeonwatch.co.uk/forums/user/2198-david-basc/ The extra medical information request is definitely not compulsory, the existing application form already has it covered when you tick the box which asks you to allow them to contact your GP. Durham have no right to ask for it under current firearms legislation or the Home Office guidelines. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greenhorn Posted January 24, 2014 Report Share Posted January 24, 2014 Same here mine took 6 months to come back too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tlennox Posted January 26, 2014 Report Share Posted January 26, 2014 Is this delay on new applications or renewals as well? I've got my third renewal in May, in the past Durham have always been extremely quick for me, typically 3 weeks for initial application or renewal of both FAC or SGC. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luckyshot Posted January 26, 2014 Report Share Posted January 26, 2014 Is this delay on new applications or renewals as well? I've got my third renewal in May, in the past Durham have always been extremely quick for me, typically 3 weeks for initial application or renewal of both FAC or SGC. Just renewed my fac again and it was well under the 90 day timescale Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
northeastshooter Posted January 29, 2014 Report Share Posted January 29, 2014 Durham are doing these medial request because they were just taking everyone's word that they had no medical problem and weren't getting letters from the GP's and let a few people have SGC and FAC's who really should not have them I'm not saying its wright what they are doing just what I got told. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geoff75 Posted February 12, 2014 Author Report Share Posted February 12, 2014 does anyone actually no the procedure for a licence when i had my interview 3 weeks ago the officer said all the checks had come back ok etc etc .so what actually happens from that point how come you here of people waitng months before they hear anything else .hHe sends in his report then what Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phaedra1106 Posted February 13, 2014 Report Share Posted February 13, 2014 Then they stick it under the existing pile of applications and variations and you wait :( After the initial checks they will (in theory) contact your referees and any clubs you are a member of, after that (all being well) the FLM rubber stamps it and passes it up the chain to be signed off on by the chief constable. Should only take a few months!. They contacted my sons clay club in December, one of his referees about 2 weeks ago but none of the other 3 rifle/pistol clubs he's in so still waiting after 13+ weeks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geoff75 Posted February 15, 2014 Author Report Share Posted February 15, 2014 Well emailed them Thursday night and got a reply Friday morning saying that they had received the firearms officers report and and all the paperwork has been passed to the supervisor who makes the decision .hopefully might hear something soon unless the pile is very high ,sick of checking the postbox on a morning !!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phaedra1106 Posted February 15, 2014 Report Share Posted February 15, 2014 My son had his interview in mid November, over 2 months before you had yours and we're still waiting! :( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geoff75 Posted February 15, 2014 Author Report Share Posted February 15, 2014 Have you rang to find out what stage they at Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phaedra1106 Posted February 15, 2014 Report Share Posted February 15, 2014 PM sent Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geoff75 Posted February 15, 2014 Author Report Share Posted February 15, 2014 Replied mate Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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