Police removing firearms - what are they legally entitled to take?

[Woodsmoke]

I think if there are any circumstances you find yourself in (regardless of fault, or whether it's through malice accusations) the sensible thing to do would be to get your firearms to an RFD asap. I truly hope I never find myself in this position, but I'd rather find myself having to sell my rifles in good order than see some random officer throw them in the back of a police wagon with careless abandon.

 

[20-250]

Bruce, as someone who's had loaded firearms put on his desk on more than one occasion having been supposedly 'cleared' by Authorised Firearms Officers, I really wouldn't assume that AFOs are the only officers who should be allowed to handle guns. They tend to be understandably familiar with the firearms they train with but anything else....well, not so much.

 

[nun_hunter]

It does depend on why they are being taken too. If it is a public safety issue (mental or physical health such as something on the notifiable list) so there is an urgency to remove them but not so imminent then there *shouldn't* be an issue with any non controlled parts being removed first. If the firearm had been used in any sort of an offence/accident (domestic/neighbour dispute, accident resulting in serious injury or death) and was to be seized as evidence then likely that everything would be seized.

* I say shouldn't but this would depend on the individual circumstances, if there was the time or resources to allow such removal or the situation was safe or appropriate enough to do so.

 

[TH4]

I had serious problems with the neighbor's from hell 10 years ago. When it was all coming to a head I put all my guns in storage at the local dealer for a couple of months. The neighbor's rang the police one night as they knew I had firearms and said I was threatening them with a gun. Firearms team turned up to arrest me and seize the guns only to find they had been in storage for 3 weeks. Got an apology from them and they went off to have a word with the neighbor's. Would have been a very different outcome if the guns had been still at home.

 

[Greenmist]

Got an apology from them and they went off to have a word with the neighbor's.

Surely they should have been arrested

 

[TH4]

Surely they should have been arrested

I agree they should have but unfortunately they were not just given a warning.

 

[enfieldspares]

I remember once a tale. Of an Inspector's advice to young constables when asked what to do if they found a gun.

Which meant then what to do if they found a revolver or a pistol.

His advice. Take your helmet off and cover it with that. Then wait until I get there.

Which actually made sense. It couldn't he picked up as it was now covered.

Also it didn't draw attention to itself.

And last any forensic evidence on it was preserved relatively untouched.

 

[enfieldspares]

Seems it must be still current advice!

 

[reloader54]

View attachment 143864

Seems it must be still current advice!

I always thought cops were getting shorter.

 

[pheasant sniper 1]

Having had mine removed twice it seems to be a mixed bag from those that have been in this position.

And quite a lot of comments from those that havent seem far fetched.

The Police dealing with me were a fine bunch of lads. I opened the door 2am in the morning and was flat on my back before i could say is that a truncheon.

Showing no resistance im a bit kinky like that they handcuffed me with my hands infront.. This allowed me to make a cup of tea for the three officers and myself whilst we waited on some more armed police to turn up.

Handcuffed it was myself that took the keys and opened the gun cabinet, the officers had a hold and a feel ( of the guns ) then i asked them if they would like me to show them how to show safe.
Cant blame them for not knowing all weapons systems.. Theyre trained on their own weapons systems and im sure some others for curiosity but to me its no big deal.

Based in Dorset all Police and FAC Officers concerned were more than fare with me and on both occasions they were returned.

My only disappointment being they had selotaped all my rifles and shotguns together which did leave marks..

Always an easy target to knock the OB but i wouldnt last 5 minutes putting up with the **** they are burdened with...