Firearms licence referee`s

[CZ550Kevlar]

A group of us were out shooting at the weekend and we were saying that out of 4 of us only 1 had their referees checked on a firearms application, the other 3 of us remembered that no contact was made with our referees. This being the case does anyone know what checks are performed? i`m guessing criminal record is checked but what else would there be? any clues?

[wildgoose1uk]

Can't speak for FAC as I haven't applied yet but I know the referee on my sgc was checked. Out of the four how many already had sgc's and how many were members of rifle clubs?

 

wg

[Beardo]

a lot of it depends on what sort of character you are, you history etc.

If the FLO is confident in you, then the referees won't get called.

[webber]

I have acted as a countersignatory / referee on many occasions. On every occasion I have received a telephone call from the relevant police force. They include. Merseyside; Lancashire; Greater Manchester; Cumbria; and West Yorkshire.

 

webber

[Beardo]

I have acted as a countersignatory / referee on many occasions. On every occasion I have received a telephone call from the relevant police force. They include. Merseyside; Lancashire; Greater Manchester; Cumbria; and West Yorkshire.

 

webber

 

that's 'cos of all the dodgy people you hang out with

[Steel100]

I also regularly act as a referee on FACs. (I'm a club secretary).

 

Sometimes (rarely) they ring to check if the person is a regular shooter, registered axe murderer etc. No real hassle.

 

Andy

[CharlieT]

A group of us were out shooting at the weekend and we were saying that out of 4 of us only 1 had their referees checked on a firearms application, the other 3 of us remembered that no contact was made with our referees. This being the case does anyone know what checks are performed? i`m guessing criminal record is checked but what else would there be? any clues?

 

 

This is an extract from the "Procedural Good Practice Guide" on firearms licensing procedure, which may answer some of your queries.

 

1.2 Applicant

 

Checks required on applicant

 

• PNC/CRO

• DVLA (where concern dictates this is appropriate)

• Criminal Intelligence

• Domestic Violence/Child Abuse (where concern dictates this is appropriate)

• Complaints and Discipline (where concern dictates this is appropriate)

• Special Branch (where concern dictates this is appropriate)

• Checks should also be made elsewhere for information which may be held in respect of the applicant.

• Check firearms department files for any information about the applicant (e.g. shot gun file/previous revocation/refusal etc.).

 

Visit applicant to enquire into:

• Character

• Good Reason

• Security of Premises. This must be in accordance with the Home Office “Firearms Security Handbook†published in March 2000 as a minimum acceptable level.

to:

• Provide security and crime prevention advice.

• Assess and record potential secure storage capacity.

• Consider character of applicant and third parties (family, friends, associates, other residents) and where appropriate conduct PNC/CRO and criminal intelligence checks. Considerable care must be taken when conducting these checks as there is likely to be an infringement of Article 8 European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). The Family, Friends and Associates of the individual applying have a right to respect for their privacy and family life and Firearms Control legislation makes no provision for this right in respect of these persons to be interfered with. Any such interference must be shown to be necessary in the interests of public safety, for the prevention of disorder or crime, or the protection of the rights and freedoms of others.

c) Check GP (if reason to do so).(This may be carried out by a Force Medical Officer asking for a confidential medical report) This aspect should be subject to enquiry prior to the applicant being visited. It provides detail on which the Firearms Enquiry Officer structures his enquiry. The Firearms Enquiry Officer has to make observations on the applicant’s medical history as disclosed and will discuss any medication being taken. It is subsequent to this information being collated that a decision is taken whether or not to make relevant enquiries with the GP. A significant number of Forces will require the Firearms Enquiry Officer to make any necessary contact with the GP prior to submitting his report on the application in order that he can make an informed recommendation.

 

Charlie.

Edited April 20, 2009 by CharlieT

[CZ550Kevlar]

Thought that was the case, referees just have a criminal record check and it seems no contact is made if there is no reason to. When i first applied for my firearms licence i had already held my SGC for 7 years, 6 of them under the same FEO i have now and he has dealt with all my house moves etc. I suppose he deemed it a waste of time asking my 2 references for info as he knows my father and other relations. Plus i had a reference from a rifle club too so i suppose that backs the case.

[Suffolk shooter]

If the FLO is confident in you, then the referees won't get called.

 

At least if their asked, then you know something is happening with your application, frustrating otherwise. On mine I told the farmer the FEO's name and to expect a call to confirm a land clearance check. Spoke to him before the interview (after application had been in and interview was arranged) and asked if he'd been contacted, he said no.

 

Had interview, asked FEO when he was going to do the land check, as I'd like to walk the course with him if possible in case there was any potential dodgy areas I hadn't spotted, along with areas I've planned to put (or are already there), high seats. To be told "My Colleague did it last week". Farmer just didn't tell me . And the ground was cleared for both calibres I'd asked for (.22lr and .243). Neither Referee contacted either.

 

Just found it so frustrating waiting for a yeah or a nay. They should have one of those websites like council planning departments do where you can put your application reference number in to see at what stage the application is at.

 

SS