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We have made significant steps forward with reducing the time it takes to safely assess and issue shotgun and firearms licences to applicants.
In the latest report from the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), we came third out of all 43 forces for the time it takes to proportionately assess firearms applications and then issue the appropriate documentation if approved.
Currently we take an average of 10 weeks to grant a new licence for a firearm like a rifle or shotgun. However, every firearm holder must be re-assessed regularly to ensure there are no safety concerns. Our re-assessment process continues to be refined and now makes us one of the most improved forces in the country. Renewals of firearms certificates can take an average of eight weeks. This compares very favourably with other forces that take many more months and, in some cases, more than a year to process.
Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Ellison, who has strategic responsibility for firearms licencing, said: “The firearms licencing team have made really significant progress in this area, which means those applying for firearms get a much more efficient service. The team are very aware of the risks around this and continue to improve practices and keep abreast of developments nationally.”
Staffordshire has just over 16,000 people with a firearms licence and a firearms licence is usually renewed every five years.