BASC has met the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Dyfed-Powys in a bid to reduce licensing delays.
A range of issues were discussed at the “open and honest” meeting which was attended by BASC firearms officer Simon Vann, Wales officer Meurig Rees, PCC Dafydd Llywelyn and Dyfed-Powys Police’s Assistant Director of the Business Support Unit Andrew Edwards.
BASC and Dyfed-Powys will now meet every six months to build and maintain a better working relationship to benefit BASC members and the force.
Simon Vann said: “The meeting saw the force admit to previous problems with licensing, including lengthy delays.
“We are delighted that following the meeting, the force is now addressing the problems with a range of measures put in place including a realignment of the firearms licencing department, increased staffing and more training, improvements in IT capability, plans for partnership working with universities to review processes in firearms licensing reviews and a conscious decision to engage with the shooting community.”
Mr Vann added: “While we all accept there is no quick fix to these problems, we do accept that this is a long-term project which we envisage will enable huge improvements in firearms licencing, wildlife crime and rural policing. The PCC is fully committed to improving firearms licensing for his area.
“The introduction of the new rural crimes strategy will also mean that our country officers in Wales will play a pivotal role in advising on good practice.”
ENDS