Operational partnerships - Firearms and explosives policy (O14)

1. Summary of changes

1.1 This policy has been reviewed in February 2022 – no amendments to content have been made.

2. What this policy is about

2.1 This policy details the requirements around medical screening for applicants seeking a firearm/shotgun/explosives certificate, action to be taken around firearms and defines the role and responsibilities of the Firearms Licensing department.

Compliance with this policy and any linked procedures is mandatory.

3. Statement of the policy

3.1. This policy deals with the compulsory requirement in Kent, for applicants seeking a firearms/shotgun/explosive certificate to engage with their GP for a medical report with disclosure of a relevant health condition(s) ever suffered, as per firearms licensing legislation, prior to the grant or renewal of a certificate. No certificate will be issued or renewed without first receiving the completed application, required licensing fee and a GP’s report providing details of any relevant medical conditions suffered which may or may not have been declared by the applicant.

3.1.1 Please note that the requirements for medical screening within the application process have been in force for all applications received requesting a new grant of a firearm, shotgun or explosive certificate since 1 June 2018.

3.1.2. It has also been in force for all those seeking to renew an existing certificate for a firearm, shotgun or explosives since 1 October 2018.

3.1.3. This policy deals with the safe handling of firearms to negate any risk to members of the public, police staff or police officers. It covers options to ensure forensic capture from firearms is maximised, whilst adhering to safe handling options.

3.1.4. This policy deals with the safety relating to legally owned and licenced firearms and emphasises the need to take illegally held firearms out of circulation.

3.1.5. The Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015 places a duty upon specified authorities (which includes the police) to ensure that their functions are discharged having due regard to the need to prevent people being drawn into terrorism. The contact which all officers and staff have with members of the public provides them with opportunities to identify concerns and trigger the appropriate prevent response to ensure their protection. It is essential that officers and staff understand the issues of radicalisation, are able to identify why people may be vulnerable to being drawn into terrorism as a consequence of it and how to obtain support for people who may be being exploited by radicalising influences (details are contained within the prevent duty and the channel duty). This policy has been reviewed and assessed that the CTSA duties could be relevant.

4. Implications of the policy

4.1.1 Public safety: whilst it is acknowledged that our shooting community are very responsible and want to work with us to ensure the safety of all, it is also important to provide the applicants GP an opportunity to report on relevant health conditions which may or may not have been declared by the applicant. Any discrepancies disclosed will be discussed with the applicant during the review process. By so doing we will help to ensure the safety of the public and the shooting community as far as reasonably possible.

4.1.2 Police officers and staff must ensure that firearms are safely handled at all times. Specialist advice is available on a 24-hour basis.

4.2. Risk assessment

4.2.1. This policy has been assessed as high risk.

4.3. Equality Impact Assessment (EIA)

4.3.1. An EIA has been carried out and shows the proposals in this policy could have a potential or actual differential impact on grounds of disability, if a person were to be suffering from a relevant medical condition as set out in paragraph 3.2.1. If a person is or has ever suffered from a relevant medical condition as shown in paragraph 3.2.1 this will not equal an automatic refusal to issue a firearms, shotgun or explosive certificate. Each case will be assessed on its own merits and with the required views of their GP being considered. Further medical evidence may be sought if deemed appropriate and proportionate.

5. Consultation

• Force Explosives Liaison Officer
• Firearms Licensing Manager
• Human Resources
• IT Security
• Estates
• Health and Safety
• Equality and Diversity
• Legal
• Freedom of Information
• Unison
• Police Federation
• Special Branch
• CSI Lead
• Force Armourer

6. Monitoring and review

6.1. Responsibility for monitoring and reviewing the policy will be undertaken by the Assistant Chief Constable for Armed Policing, through the Strategic Firearms Development Board.

6.2. This policy will be reviewed yearly and the next review will take place in February 2023.

7. Security

7.1. Kent Police have measures in place to protect the security of your data in accordance with our Information Management policy and in accordance with the General Data Protection regulations. 

8. Retention and disposal of records

8.1. Kent Police will hold data in accordance with our Records Review, Retention and Disposal policy.