Members of BASC’s dedicated firearms team have met with Durham Police as part of an ongoing process to help improve their service.
The force has worked tirelessly over the last 12 months and introduced new systems and practices which have seen them reduce firearms licensing waiting times to just 35 days.
The visit was part of a Continuing Professional Development programme for Durham Police firearms department and included a presentation covering the Policing and Crime Act 2017, antiques and the specific role of the recently passed legislation.
During another busy month in February, which saw the six strong team deal with 1426 calls, the team also met with staff from Thames Valley, Devon & Cornwall and Dorset Police.
BASC is the only UK shooting organisation with a full-time firearms team, with its staff providing expert help and advice to members on all aspects of firearms ownership including technical, legal, practical and forensic. The team offers confidential advice based on settled law or sustainable legal opinion and can also assist with accessing services available through BASC’s legal expenses insurance.
Bill Harriman, BASC’s director of firearms, said: “The work the team is doing with individual forces is an invaluable part of our role here at BASC. The biggest issue facing our members is still waiting times for firearms licencing so it is essential we do what we can, in an ambassadorial role for our members, to help forces resolve the problems, which will prevent the delays occurring again.”
Peter Glenser, BASC chairman and a barrister who specialises in firearms law, said: As well as looking after our members’ interests on a day-to-day basis, the team is also working hard behind the scenes to improve relationships with forces up and down the country and help them where possible.”
This comes soon after a groundbreaking study from BASC revealed that firearms licensing is a ‘postcode lottery’. For more information, visit https://basc.org.uk/blog/press-releases/featured-news/new-basc-study-shows-firearms-licensing-postcode-lottery/
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