BASC has met the Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley to discuss concerns about the force’s interpretation of Home Office guidance regarding medical involvement in firearms licensing.
In the meeting with PCC Anthony Stansfeld, BASC’s firearms team manager Paul Dale referred to guidance which states that an applicant or certificate holder should not be disadvantaged, nor the application delayed, by a GP’s refusal to provide medical information.
Mr Dale said: “The meeting was very productive. The PCC recognised that there has been some disparity between the Home Office guidance and the Thames Valley interpretation of that guidance.
“He has given an undertaking for immediate action, which will include an urgent review of Thames Valley’s processes.
“The problems our members have suffered with Thames Valley are not unique to that force. But we welcomed the chance to sit down with the PCC to discuss our concerns in an open and productive manner.
“BASC continues to work with individual forces to ensure that improvements are made. Issues around medical involvement in firearms licensing are not going away, but BASC continues to hold police forces to account.”
ENDS