UPDATE: TVP FAC/SGC Renewals

[Fielder]

Another update, one of my 3 references (I submitted an extra reference just to be sure) was contacted today. Apparnetly it all went fine. So good to see there is immediate movement on it.

 

[I. Farticus]

1:1 Variation is in the post today, complete with cheque which in hindsight I didn't need, but the original app was to chop and change a couple of calibres and I forgot to take it out of the envelope. Doh!

As it's in there though, let's see how long it takes for them to either:
1. Cash the cheque
or
2. Return it

Either action will show how much they understand of their own paperwork!

Updates to follow...

UPDATE:
Cheque has been cashed.
FEO rang today to clarify a couple of points, and agrees that it's a 1:1 so free, and that TVP should reimburse the £20.
Paperwork heading off to Kidlington this afternoon, with a probable 4 week turnaround.

All looking very promising if this is the new speed that they are going to turn stuff around. I appreciate that it's not the walk in/walk out with new certificate that some Forces can manage, but it's 2 months which is considerably faster than previously with TVP!!

 

[Fielder]

The 4 week lead time for the paperwork is interesting, It's been just over a week and 2 days since i had my FAO Visit so i wonder if i can expect the same 4 week turn around for my FAC to drop through the letterbox.

 

[I. Farticus]

The 4 week lead time for the paperwork is interesting, It's been just over a week and 2 days since i had my FAO Visit so i wonder if i can expect the same 4 week turn around for my FAC to drop through the letterbox.

Highly unlikely as this is a 1 for 1 Variation on an existing FAC, not a new grant. Sorry...

 

[Fielder]

True, When i first submitted my paperwork to Kidlington i called after a week to make sure they had received it only to be told it usually takes around 2 weeks for it to make it's way from the Kidlington mail room to the Firearms officers themselves and to call back after then which is somewhat concerning.

I will give them a call tomorrow and see how my paperwork is going now I've had my visit.

 

[Highlandsjohn]

From first telephone inquiry contact to my FAC landing on the mat, 27 days. kudos to Inverness inquiry team ..john

 

[ashray]

it would appear highlandsjohn that you have a properly functioning firearms dept ,come to thames valley ,

 

[Highlandsjohn]

it would appear highlandsjohn that you have a properly functioning firearms dept ,come to thames valley ,

I would say there was an element of good fortune and timing banus. Not everyone up here are as fortunate..

 

[Fielder]

Great news guys. My licence arrived today. 8 weeks and 4 days from sending it off! Looks like Thames Valley have really improved things but it did take a bit of chasing on my part after my visit.

 

[I. Farticus]

Great news guys. My licence arrived today. 8 weeks and 4 days from sending it off! Looks like Thames Valley have really improved things but it did take a bit of chasing on my part after my visit.

Excellent! Now comes the fun bit, buying the kit that you have slots for

 

[I. Farticus]

7th March - Passport renewal goes off RMSD
16th March - Text to acknowledge receipt, with stated timelines of 3 weeks if a renewal and 6 weeks if first passport
18th March - Text reminder to sign in black ballpoint pen
21st March - Passport arrives

That, ladies and gents, is 14 days from posting to receipt...

Q1. [rhetorical] How come the Home Office can achieve this, but most Police forces can't?

 

[I. Farticus]

In good news:
TVP are hiring another FEO which is fantastic - https://thamesvalleypolice.tal.net/...Firearms-and-Explosives-Enquiry-Officer/en-GB
"In this interesting role you will conduct enquiries for the grant, variation and renewal of firearm, shotgun, and explosives certificates, in accordance with legislation. In addition you will be responsible for the inspection of Registered Firearms Dealers and Shooting Club premises, providing advice or action as necessary.
Recent face to face interviewing experience is essential, as is a knowledge of sporting firearms coupled with excellent interpersonal and all round communication skills. Firearms Enquiry Officers report to a Senior FEO, but are expected to work alone with the minimum of supervision. You will be able to evidence an ability to be assertive and impartial whilst making sound objective decisions. You must be willing and able to carry out land checks over rough and uneven surfaces and where necessary climb ladders to access areas in order to inspect security arrangements.
Firearms Enquiry Officers routinely work outside of normal working hours, and are expected to attend and give evidence in both Magistrates and Crown Court as a witness if required. Training is ongoing, and you will be expected to attend training courses outside of Thames Valley Police, which may extend over several days and include weekends. You must have the ability to travel to different locations across the Force and undertake all assignments in a timely manner. Due to the requirement to work flexibility, unsocial hours and the need to carry seized or surrendered firearms and ammunition as required, public transport is not considerable suitable. For this reason a full UK driving licence is considered essential.
Interviews will include a practical test of weapon and ammunition handling and identification, mock interview role play and board interview. "

 

[Disco_Richy]

FWIW, my grant has gone as follows with TVP so far:

1) app. sent in 2nd week of August 2016
2) cheque cashed following week
3) 06.09.16 - email reply from Kidlington; app has started grant process, going through back ground checks etc, no likely timescale can be provided
4) 03.11.16 - email reply from Kidlington; app still in background checks, high volume of work etc, no meaningful time scale for full completion can be provided
5) 22.12.16 - missed call from FEO, called back but now on Xmas holiday, fair do's!
6) 03.01.17 - called FEO; visit arranged for 01.02.17
7) 01.02.17 - FEO visit; told to gain relevant RF/CF experience before grant is progressed
8) 20.03.17 - email reply from FEO; confirmed receipt of documentation proving relevant experience
9) 28.03.17 - email reply from FEO; app. back at Kidlington for processing
10) 04.04.17 - call from Kidlington; confirm ammo allowances for deer calibres, FAC should be received within 2 weeks, worst case by end of month...

Fingers crossed for this month eh....if it does arrive in the stated timescale it would appear that things are improving at Kidlington of late.

 

[I. Farticus]

Just received this via PM, so I'll retain privacy for his own sake, as this is definitely one for the "Smugness is Inappropriate" column...

01/03/17 - Handed FAC renewal paperwork to Kent Police HQ Reception
25/03/17 - New Certificate arrived in the post

14 days, and all done by 'phone, so it CAN be done. Just not by everyone...

 

[Disco_Richy]

FWIW, my grant has gone as follows with TVP so far:

1) app. sent in 2nd week of August 2016
2) cheque cashed following week
3) 06.09.16 - email reply from Kidlington; app has started grant process, going through back ground checks etc, no likely timescale can be provided
4) 03.11.16 - email reply from Kidlington; app still in background checks, high volume of work etc, no meaningful time scale for full completion can be provided
5) 22.12.16 - missed call from FEO, called back but now on Xmas holiday, fair do's!
6) 03.01.17 - called FEO; visit arranged for 01.02.17
7) 01.02.17 - FEO visit; told to gain relevant RF/CF experience before grant is progressed
8) 20.03.17 - email reply from FEO; confirmed receipt of documentation proving relevant experience
9) 28.03.17 - email reply from FEO; app. back at Kidlington for processing
10) 04.04.17 - call from Kidlington; confirm ammo allowances for deer calibres, FAC should be received within 2 weeks, worst case by end of month...

Fingers crossed for this month eh....if it does arrive in the stated timescale it would appear that things are improving at Kidlington of late.

Well, true to the guys word my belated Birthday present (FAC/SGC) from TVP arrived in the post today. 8 months 3 days in all. One moderator is missing off of it, but at least its arrived!

 

[I. Farticus]

UPDATE:
Cheque has been cashed.
FEO rang today to clarify a couple of points, and agrees that it's a 1:1 so free, and that TVP should reimburse the £20.
Paperwork heading off to Kidlington this afternoon, with a probable 4 week turnaround.

All looking very promising if this is the new speed that they are going to turn stuff around. I appreciate that it's not the walk in/walk out with new certificate that some Forces can manage, but it's 2 months which is considerably faster than previously with TVP!!

FINAL UPDATE:
24/04/17 - FAC has arrived. All the wording and kit list is correct. It took a call to my FEO on Thursday to remind him that I DIDN'T say that I wanted to scrap the 6.5x55mm as I'm getting a new bolt, then another from Kindlington 30 minutes later to reconfirm that along with the kit list/AOLQ/targets/ammo etc., but it's with me

17/02/17 - The 1:1 variation process kicked off, so it's taken 10 weeks in total, which I think is great progress from where they were not so long ago.

I'm off to Emmett & Stone to pick up my Mauser M12 and DPT mod sometime in the next 48 hours, and will hit the range next week to zero and play!

I just hope that TVP can continue improving at this rate and can get everyone else, that's already in the process, your new grants and variations back nice and fast.

 

[B&W FOX]

I've now received my ticket.
The whole process has taken 11 weeks, which in the current climate is just about bearable but its still not good, just for a variation.
If they could turn round renewals in this period of time they wouldn't be having so many complaints about poor service

So in Nine Months the service for a variation is now One Week Faster
Some progress
And they have recruited two new members of staff

 

[nicowilson]

Some interesting information in a Q&A between the Countryside Alliance and Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner, Anthony Stansfeld

http://www.countryside-alliance.org...-police-crime-commissioner-anthony-stansfeld/

 

[mealiejimmy]

There's a reference to ACPO as one of the organisations with which TVP will consult.
ACPO was dissolved in 2015 and replaced by NPCC - but clearly yer man Stansfield doesn't know about it yet!

Cheers

Bruce

 

[I. Farticus]

My £20 will be refunded, but "it will take weeks" to cut a cheque apparently.
They cash our cheques immediately, but can take as long as the want to repay us.