Police spot checks
- Thread starter Si
- Start date
thistledeyke
Well-Known Member
A letter to the elected PCC for the area asking on what grounds the "spot checks" have been instigated would be appropriate. My understanding is that they are accountable to the "public" so an explanation would not be an unreasonable request. As mentioned on an earlier thread BASC has requested a meeting with all PCC's.
Pete
Pete
hughsurrey
Well-Known Member
A letter to the PCC from every FAC holder in the area would count, probably more people than turned up to vote
I am running the danger of getting attacked here, but I will say it: I do not see a problem with this. Can someone explain to me why I should be upset if the police want to satisfy themselves that I am adhering to the terms of my FAC?
Perhaps you should be upset because it is the Home Office, not individual Police Forces, that states that home visits should be arranged by prior appointment at a mutually convenient time.
Turning up unannounced may not be convenient, as you may be about to go out, might not be home, might be in the middle of a meal, a bath, shower, inebriated, using the toilet, asleep, or participating in the joy of union with your partner.
It would be better use of Police resources to arrange a visit by prior appointment than turning up mob handed on the off-chance that you're in or willing/able to answer the door.
I've no personal objection in complying with a home visit, and if I'm not otherwise occupied would be happy to show them my empty Gun Cabinet, however, there is a principle at stake here, and the assumption that we might be up to no good after having jumped through all the hoops to be regarded as a trustworthy citizen, what has changed in North Wales to make the Police there adopt this strategy to find crimes committed by the one group they have already identified as being model citizens least likely to commit crime?
Very odd behaviour from NWP
Turning up unannounced may not be convenient, as you may be about to go out, might not be home, might be in the middle of a meal, a bath, shower, inebriated, using the toilet, asleep, or participating in the joy of union with your partner.
It would be better use of Police resources to arrange a visit by prior appointment than turning up mob handed on the off-chance that you're in or willing/able to answer the door.
I've no personal objection in complying with a home visit, and if I'm not otherwise occupied would be happy to show them my empty Gun Cabinet, however, there is a principle at stake here, and the assumption that we might be up to no good after having jumped through all the hoops to be regarded as a trustworthy citizen, what has changed in North Wales to make the Police there adopt this strategy to find crimes committed by the one group they have already identified as being model citizens least likely to commit crime?
Very odd behaviour from NWP
pheasant sniper 1
Well-Known Member
Make more sence to me for them to turn up at the address of every known burglar and give their house the once over...
Oh!!!! but that might infringe their rights and be seen as harrasement
Oh!!!! but that might infringe their rights and be seen as harrasement
Chanty Wrassler
Well-Known Member
Because AFAIK in every other aspect of our day to day lives the police do not turn up at our doors unannounced to check we are complying with the law. They don't turn up to check we are not whipping our children, running an alcohol still, brewing crack cocaine, distributing kiddie porn or whatever UNLESS they have some evidence to suggest we are breaking the law. That's the way most folk want things to stay, anything else smacks of a totalitarian state.
Make more sence to me for them to turn up at the address of every known burglar and give their house the once over...
Oh!!!! but that might infringe their rights and be seen as harrasement
I think what would be fair is a one for one….
They turn up and check your gun security then go knock on the local travellers site and have a poke around to see what they can find….!
Tim.243
baconbuttie
Well-Known Member
It makes no sense. As has been said elsewhere, as a vetted FAC holder, if I wanted to exceed my ammunition limit or keep illegal firearms, I'm not going to keep it in my safe with all the firearms that I have on-ticket. So unless they decide to bring along a search warrant what are they hoping to find ?
My FEO has been to see me twice in the past 6 months, and he's not once asked to see inside my cabinet.
My FEO has been to see me twice in the past 6 months, and he's not once asked to see inside my cabinet.
deeangeo
Well-Known Member
Spot on
the scuffers don't have automatic powers of entry for 'on spec' FAC checks & IMO their superiors should have more important uses of police time .... but then, all public with soft centres are police targets. ATB
bewsher500
Well-Known Member
No-one can force you to be upset.
It is your house if you choose to have no issue with it then feel free to let them in and browse your cabinet etc
I on the other hand will be exercising my right to tell the "*%£@ off" and make an appointment.
If they have suspicions that I am committing a crime (which by definition, a breach of your FAC terms could become) then they have a perfectly good court system to apply for a warrant should they feel urgency is required. Otherwise they have my phone number
They satisfied themselves that I was a low risk firearms owner when they granted the certificate. It has a lifespan for review for a reason.
Spot checks are of no value and will alienate the shooting public.
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