Thames Valley Police - not issuing FACs

[Kbuck]

Evening all,

I was just about to apply for my FAC (finally after years of guided stalks) and have seen that Thames Valley Police are not accepting new applications for FACs or SGCs “due to covid”.

Does anyone know if this a long-standing issue or if there is any timeframe for re-opening application?

Cheers

 

[Apthorpe]

Covid is not a reason to fail to perform one's job. They should be challenged on this. Write to your PCC

 

[willie_gunn]

It’s been that way for some time - particularly when home visits weren’t possible because of Covid restrictions.

They are still doing renewals though.

https://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/ar/applyregister/fao/af/apply-firearm-shotgun-explosives-certificate/

 

[liam85]

I applied for mine in July and was granted in September with Tvp. It’s only in the last few weeks that they have stopped them again due to being unable to do home visits.

 

[MAH]

Covid is not a reason to fail to perform one's job.

Unless the FLOs are off sick, or redeployed to cover absent colleagues.
Hopefully, normality will resume soon.
M

 

[Apthorpe]

Unless the FLOs are off sick, or redeployed to cover absent colleagues.
Hopefully, normality will resume soon.
M

Even then. The rest of us get our jobs done.

 

[MAH]

Even then. The rest of us get our jobs done.

Come on give the guys a break.
No one's doing home visits when c19 positive.

 

[DVS1]

An area of of already short staffing will be hit if C19 issues arise...it's just to be expected. Be interesting to see if zoom or video calls will be implemented to substitute home interviews prior to visits booked for suitability of gunsafes etc

 

[Pedro]

The issue with most forces is that they see a home visit as essential for an initial grant (not so essential for renewals or variations). They also see that visiting inside someone's house is a Covid risk and so that's their reason for not doing them.

Frankly, for many other reasons, the police will enter your house, so I'm not too sure why examining your cabinet and having a chat makes things more dangerous if done with due diligence. If they feel the need to take your guns from you, for example the Covid risk tends to reduce it appears. I suspect it's more to do with lessening their workload for the duration when they might have a few staff on the sick/isolating with the aforementioned lurgy.

 

[Kbuck]

Thanks all for your input. Maybe ill have to get a golf membership instead !
Kbuck

 

[liam85]

Last time when they weren’t accepting online fac applications, they were accepting paper applications for a fac along as were a existing sgc holder.
It might be worth giving them a call and asking if this is still the case.

 

[Sonicdmb73]

Evening all,

I was just about to apply for my FAC (finally after years of guided stalks) and have seen that Thames Valley Police are not accepting new applications for FACs or SGCs “due to covid”.

Does anyone know if this a long-standing issue or if there is any timeframe for re-opening application?

Cheers

The issue of FAC/SGC is a statutory duty. ie one that they can’t (as far as I can see) legally refuse to do.
While you could reasonably expect delays due to Covid. To stop doing something you’re required to do on that excuse after two years this pandemic. Not exactly like they haven’t had time to work round staffing issues etc.

I do wonder if what TVP and N Yorkshire are doing constitutes constructive refusal? Will any of our shooting bodies challenge them as such?,

 

[Apthorpe]

Come on give the guys a break.

How many breaks does a man need for one before he can take fewer risks than e.g. the shop staff who are exposed to greater risk for considerably less pay? Covid is no longer an excuse for poor performance nor refusal to work.

The Police are legally obliged to perform this function, and it is not on for them to determine their duties according to their convenience. If individuals don't like it, there are lots of other jobs out there, and in most cases they would find the introduction to the real world a salutary lesson.

No one's doing home visits when c19 positive.

I hadn't previously understood that covid infected police staff permanently, while the rest of humanity tends to have recovered within 10 days. A breed apart!

 

[Franchi Matt]

I hadn't previously understood that covid infected police staff permanently, while the rest of humanity tends to have recovered within 10 days. A breed apart!

Spot on - same as Dr's..... we are all meant to get back to work and keep the economy ticking over yet some this doesn't apply too.

 

[Greenmist]

Will any of our shooting bodies challenge them as such?,

 

[Warren79]

Hampshire announced the same a few weeks ago!

 

[Catweasel]

A gentleman in the Norfolk area (looking to buy one of my rifles when his application goes through) has recently been advised that they are not doing any new applications.
As far as I'm aware, absolutely no reason has been given.

On another note, I put in a variation to my ticket with Cambs, Beds & Herts on Dec 3rd & it was back with me on the 21st.

 

[Jon P]

On another note, I put in a variation to my ticket with Cambs, Beds & Herts on Dec 3rd & it was back with me on the 21st.

Your area are doing better then Gwent, my variation went in on 25 November, nothing as yet, obviously we have had Xmas holidays recently so doubt anything would be done then, would like to have it back soon though.

 

[Sonicdmb73]

The problem is historically people (and our organisations) have failed to challenge the police. Due to the fear said challenge will make it worse (the service that is). However I have come to the conclusion that since they are not doing me any favours. Then what difference does it make?
I have challenged and won my argument on more than one occasion. I have lost one or two too. But I would not hesitate to push for any refusal to do their job to be put in writing. Then I would be asking the Chief Constable and the PCC to justify their failure to provide their statutory duty.

 

[nicowilson]

Thanks all for your input. Maybe ill have to get a golf membership instead !
Kbuck

I don't know of any RFDs that will accept golf membership when buying a rifle or ammo.