Police firearms backlogs 'put public at risk'

Three police forces have been criticised for "significant" backlogs in dealing with applications for shotgun licences.

The independent HM Inspectorate of Constabulary said the delays, sometimes for as long as two years, could be "leaving the public at risk".

During inspections in Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire, they found more than 2,000 unanswered emails from applicants and issued an "accelerated cause of concern".

Police and crime commissioners in the three areas say they "fully accept the findings" of the report.

If an inspection of a police force reveals serious, critical or systemic shortcomings in the way services are being provided, the inspectors can report a "cause for concern".

If the problems create a risk to public safety, they can go further and issue an accelerated cause of concern.

Following an inspection of the firearms licensing collaboration between Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire, inspectors decided the more serious warning was appropriate.

They say the collaboration's management of licensing is not keeping the public safe.

The inspectors discovered "significant backlogs in processing firearms and shotgun licence applications and renewals".

Their report said: "Some cases had been outstanding for up to two years.

"The collaboration doesn't have enough officers and staff to address the volume of outstanding applications."

More than 1,000 temporary permits had been issued.

The report detailed failings in case management, licensing training and certification compliance.

It added there was no standard procedure for seizing and revoking licences.

The inspectors found that home visits and household checks were not being carried out to find out whether applicants were suitable for having firearms licences.

HM Inspector of Constabulary, Roy Wilsher, said: "The forces must immediately prioritise firearm licensing and renewals.

"They need to put in place consistent policies, operating procedures and governance structures and this should be supported by enough resources, including officers and staff with the right skills."

In a joint statement, the police and crime commissioners of the three forces said they "fully accept the findings of this report and welcome the independent and detailed scrutiny of [the] inspectorate".

"The firearms licensing function has not provided a good standard of service to the public over a prolonged period because of unacceptable systemic issues," it said.

"Firearms licence holders, including many at the heart of our rural communities, have been let down and deserved a better service."

They said they would be "holding the chief constables to account for a step change in performance and customer service".

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