claypop Posted May 27, 2008 Report Share Posted May 27, 2008 Had a call from my Firearms Officer today - wants to do a visit 2 days time. Now I have had my SGC for 1 year, had a minor criminal conviction 8 years ago which was the reason given (depression & convictions get checks every 2 years) so 2 years it's supposed to be, he,s bringing it forward 1 year - this sound normal to anyone? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
codling99 Posted May 27, 2008 Report Share Posted May 27, 2008 never heard of it myself. but i suppose their within their rights to check on anyone if they feel like Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lurcherboy Posted May 27, 2008 Report Share Posted May 27, 2008 Relax and make sure everything is in order LB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2shots Posted May 27, 2008 Report Share Posted May 27, 2008 wouldnt worry mate,powers that be and all that, just make sure everythings right, locked up etc and your the only one with access and keys, could be a new fo doing his rounds Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markbivvy Posted May 27, 2008 Report Share Posted May 27, 2008 minor criminal conviction,depression. a few on here have some of these issues but your the first one i have heard of getting any regular checks. keep us posted please on the outcome. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
claypop Posted May 27, 2008 Author Report Share Posted May 27, 2008 I thought it was odd too which is why I felt the need to ask - we'll have to see I suppose! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markbivvy Posted May 27, 2008 Report Share Posted May 27, 2008 I thought it was odd too which is why I felt the need to ask - we'll have to see I suppose! if you are a member of a shooting organization, now might be the time to phone them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lurcherboy Posted May 27, 2008 Report Share Posted May 27, 2008 I thought it was odd too which is why I felt the need to ask - we'll have to see I suppose! Claypop, I have form and got the same attention you have, don't fret as I believe it's just to remind you that you are on supervision. LB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kennyboy30 Posted May 27, 2008 Report Share Posted May 27, 2008 please correct me if i am wrong but my fo told me that he could call any time night or day without warning to inspect my security kenny Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markbivvy Posted May 27, 2008 Report Share Posted May 27, 2008 please correct me if i am wrong but my fo told me that he could call any time night or day without warning to inspect my security kenny I am sure they cant unless they think a crime has been committed. they have to give you notice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2shots Posted May 27, 2008 Report Share Posted May 27, 2008 please correct me if i am wrong but my fo told me that he could call any time night or day without warning to inspect my security kenny I am sure they cant unless they think a crime has been committed. they have to give you notice. Had one two years ago and no notice given, showed his id etc and as I was out asked my wife if she could open the cabinet,which she did then he asked why she had access to the guns,and thought his day was made seems he never checked she also has a licence and made her prove the same guns were all on hers as well, er I was just in the area and checking a few people out oh well everything seems in order Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
claypop Posted May 27, 2008 Author Report Share Posted May 27, 2008 (edited) Yep - well he phoned & asked/confirmed that I had the 2 12g shotguns on the ticket which, imho, would be obvious as he would have the facts anyway. Seems like I,m not the only one on here to have a interim check & he gave me notice I suppose but seems odd to be brought forward a year that's all - I have not even had a speeding ticket since....almost feels like harassment Edited May 27, 2008 by claypop Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kennyboy30 Posted May 27, 2008 Report Share Posted May 27, 2008 hello again have you phoned your firearms dept to confirm it was a genuine call as i can recall an article in the shooting times about phone appointments and they said there had been some bogus calls and advised you to call your firearms dept to check if they had authorized the visit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveK Posted May 27, 2008 Report Share Posted May 27, 2008 (edited) Thanks for the link Mark. I've not read the whole thread but get the gist of it. FLO's can only inspect your firearms at reasonable times of the day to suit you and by appointment. There have been incidents where people professing to be FLO's or police have bullied their way into peoples houses to get at the firearms. If you are in ANY doubt as to this being on the level, phone the police and ask them. I repeat under normal circumstances they'd make an appointment. Otherwise I assume they'd have an ARV call on you if it's nasties. Ask to see a search warrant and their warrant card. Get their collar number and call the local nick for confirmation while they wait outside. And if it's not convenient say so. 2 days notice wouldn't be convenient to me. Edited May 27, 2008 by DaveK Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
claypop Posted May 27, 2008 Author Report Share Posted May 27, 2008 Agree with those points but he named my 2 shotgun makes/models & I confirmed. Pretty late call too (7.10 PM) All a bit weird but I suppose they have got their job to do. I suggested 2 days not him - wondered if 2shots had this visit for a FAC not a SGC - I would surmise the former may have more checks/security levels. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveK Posted May 27, 2008 Report Share Posted May 27, 2008 Agree with those points but he named my 2 shotgun makes/models & I confirmed. Pretty late call too (7.10 PM) All a bit weird but I suppose they have got their job to do. I suggested 2 days not him - wondered if 2shots had this visit for a FAC not a SGC - I would surmise the former may have more checks/security levels. You have his name? Still phone local plod and check he's genuine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
njc110381 Posted May 27, 2008 Report Share Posted May 27, 2008 The first thing I would do is call them back to check it's genuine. If it is then just act like you did when they interviewed you for your ticket. I'm sure all is ok, they just want to check you out. I'll stick my neck on the block here and say that because you have a record and a history of depression I think it's a fair thing. It may feel a bit rude, but at least it shows they're making an effort. After all, if Thomas Hamilton had been put under the same pressure we may have kept our handguns and those poor little kids could have still been with us! If you're still fine, you'll be fine. Don't worry and let us know how it goes. Good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
claypop Posted May 27, 2008 Author Report Share Posted May 27, 2008 (edited) See your point but being a bit depressed (for 3 months) 8 years back when my mother died of lung cancer is cause & not as I see it a 'history'. I would feel my honesty on the application should count for me not make me their target for irregular inspections. DaveK - he never gave his name.....maybe I should check this out Also, what questions can they ask? My employment? Family? Hobbies? Routines? What right of privacy do I have - what right of enquiry does he have? Edited May 27, 2008 by claypop Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baldrick Posted May 28, 2008 Report Share Posted May 28, 2008 I would definitely check this out before allowing anyone into your home to look at your guns. Call the Firearms Licensing desk and re-confirm what you've been told. You're just doing your due diligence. The Police will not mind. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2shots Posted May 28, 2008 Report Share Posted May 28, 2008 Agree with those points but he named my 2 shotgun makes/models & I confirmed. Pretty late call too (7.10 PM) All a bit weird but I suppose they have got their job to do. I suggested 2 days not him - wondered if 2shots had this visit for a FAC not a SGC - I would surmise the former may have more checks/security levels. Shotguns mate the firearms are kept seperate because my wife doesnt have a fac he asked for a look but she told him he would have to make an appointment and come back when I was about,never did mind. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bagsy Posted May 28, 2008 Report Share Posted May 28, 2008 If the visit is genuine I wouldn't be too concerned. Sure I read somewhere my local police want to visit each license holder at least once during the life of their ticket. To be honest, being that I have kids etc I would expect a snap inspection of some sort to make sure I keep everything locked up and safe. So long as your honest with them they should be OK. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
landrover Posted May 28, 2008 Report Share Posted May 28, 2008 we once had a spot check,officer rang at eight o'clock one saturday morning told us about the spot check and would be there in half hour,since that no more spot checks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dunganick Posted May 29, 2008 Report Share Posted May 29, 2008 I believe your completely within your rights to tell him to go away untill you can book a better time. Thankfully kent doesnt have enough time to do spot checks, they are still trying to catch up with applications. Also make sure the mrs is primed not to allow anyone in without you present, if nothing else it could be anyone just having a look at where the guns are, only to come back and visit via the window the following night. I would possibly get some background on this chap. Cant hurt, what has he got to hide. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
claypop Posted May 29, 2008 Author Report Share Posted May 29, 2008 Just to let the thread know it went well only lasted 5 minutes. Just wanted to check my guns & recap what I said on the original application. One thing I was told: If you have a clean record you get a C-Grade - that means a check every renewal - 5 years. Any record or depression (especially depression I was told) you get a B-Grade means a check every 2 years so 4 in total with the original application 2 interims & the renewal at year 5. God knows what A grade is - he did not know! I have been told I am now safe (!) & have been allocated a C grade ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
THEINVISIBLESCARECROW Posted June 1, 2008 Report Share Posted June 1, 2008 Don't worry, let them see all is ok & leave you alone after. Nothing to hide, don't hide then, don't forget tea & biccies & a chat, turn it to your advantage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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