Word of warning, Grant or renewal information.

[Dalua]

Indeed Sir! Post 4 is clear to me and others also, no doubt.

However, the evidence suggests it was not so clear to the OP. You gave him the choice between 'a ticking-off' and 'a legal caution', and he picked the latter. However, this caution was given before interview; and the magic words for interview under caution might well be described as a 'legal caution', and are certainly not anything like a ticking-off.
Just a benign observation - probably resulting from my just having done an afternoon's teaching thing for undergraduates and therefore being excessively evidence-based and analytical.

 

[8x57]

Indeed I should really have spelt it out better for him.

 

[finnbear270]

Maybe it's time for the term "Caution" to be just that, & anything else should be maybe, "I have to inform & remind you" that anything you may say etc .....

 

[woodmaster]

This has got to be an over zelous copper who thinks he/she knows the law. I think I would be inclined to bring my long standing history of gun ownership and the fact that all their previous collegues must have commited the offense of granting a FAC to a un=fit person. That is if any of you ailments did in fact render you unfit? The absolute bo***ck's they are spouting about it being the fact you did not disclose ALL ailments past and present is in my opinion now wasting police time and tax payers money. Do you have to ring them up and have your FAC appraised if you have a headache and decide to take some cocodamol? Could compromise you ability to be safe? They are taking the **** and I would strongly advise you take this to BASC or such like along with officers name and number while putting in a claim for false accusation. I'd be bringing this to the attention of his/her boss.

 

[re'M'ington]

In reply to the comments above, Yes it was a Legal caution.
I have seen the GP for a abscess on my buttock (very painful but relevant ?) and a in growing toe nail, I have also had the Flu !
It's not what the conditions are more the fact I didn’t disclose them. Mr Gain' and Vipa's comment are exactly right.
Just put EVERYTHING down, then the FLO can decide what’s relevant or not. None of my conditions are relevant to owning firearms (or so I thought) but it’s the non-disclosure that’s upset them.
and NO I don't stay in a locked ward ! LOL at least not yet anyway !

Mate,if i put all of my liaisons with the local GP and or the local Hospital it would be more of a book than a renewal,and I do have what could be construed as a malady that might cause concern for the FAC renewal,but I did disclose it but nothing else.

Martin

 

[pheasant sniper 1]

If the op is absolutely correct in his version of events then its a real shame an idiot like this lets the rest of the descent folk in firearms licensing down..

 

[al4x1]

The main thing is where you go from here, talk to BASC and don't whatever you do accept a caution until you have taken legal advice on how it will affect your next renewal.
Is there a chance any of the drugs you are taking for your back pain etc have alternative uses or side effects that could include depression?

 

[Vipa]

The main thing is where you go from here, talk to BASC and don't whatever you do accept a caution until you have taken legal advice on how it will affect your next renewal.
Is there a chance any of the drugs you are taking for your back pain etc have alternative uses or side effects that could include depression?

But even that is a minefield Alex.... I just checked my reflux meds and (very rare) side effects include depression... as do my statins, as do my..... I think every med out there will probably have depression mentioned somewhere in the side effects, be it 1 in 10 or 1 in 100,000!

 

[JAYB]

Don't get too excited, he has not received an official caution. The caution he received, "you are not obliged etc.", is the one given by Police officers when they report someone for an offence in order to make any reply given eligible to be used in evidence. When somebody receives a 'Police Caution' in relation to having committed an offence, it is an option they have selected, usually in respect of a minor offence where they accept their guilt and take the caution as their punishment.

In this case there has been no charge made or the offer of a caution given, I would recommend getting in touch with BASC, SACS or whoever it is you belong to and get it sorted as soon as possible.

John

 

[Whitebeard]

I still dont think all is out in the open here, from other posts the OP says he got his SGC and FAC on the 1st of March and its only when he asked the FEO to come out and check his new security that all this kicked off.
Why would the FEO want to go back through his application, when his FAC has already been issued on the strength of information given on the application form, strange!

Ian.

 

[badbob]

Too much talk about cautions... a red herring

What is important is that thousands of applicants are failing to declare
they have seen the doctor ie have a medical condition
which could be anything from indigestion to high blood pressure
from a common cold to a sprained ankle which are all totally irrelevant.

can of worms

 

[spforrest]

I still dont think all is out in the open here, from other posts the OP says he got his SGC and FAC on the 1st of March and its only when he asked the FEO to come out and check his new security that all this kicked off.
Why would the FEO want to go back through his application, when his FAC has already been issued on the strength of information given on the application form, strange!

Ian.

Quick update. I was told that the Gp would be contacted prior to issue for a new application and after a renewal had been granted. Yes I've had my new licence for a couple of months now. The additional security was in the form of a second cabinet to increase my stowage (I even stow air rifles in the cabinet ). I received a phone call yesterday ( Thursday) informing me that the superintendent is writing to me, inviting me to come in for a interview. In the mean time I've sought the advice from a solicitor who will accompany me to this interview and I've arranged for my 2 shotguns and one rifle to be tempareraly (I hope) stowed at my club (RFD). Many thanks to all for the advice given. I will update this post as and when I've some more information.

 

[bogtrotter]

In reply to the comments above, Yes it was a Legal caution.
I have seen the GP for a abscess on my buttock (very painful but relevant ?) and a in growing toe nail, I have also had the Flu !
It's not what the conditions are more the fact I didn’t disclose them. Mr Gain' and Vipa's comment are exactly right.
Just put EVERYTHING down, then the FLO can decide what’s relevant or not. None of my conditions are relevant to owning firearms (or so I thought) but it’s the non-disclosure that’s upset them.
and NO I don't stay in a locked ward ! LOL at least not yet anyway !

PM sent.

 

[spforrest]

Quick update, I have today recieved a letter inviting me to make a appointment to speak to the officer in charge about his concerns over my sutability to own firearms, 20+years of shooting and my sutability is in question !

 

[hogey]

I have had a SGC for nearly 40 years and an FAC for 10 and never disclosed any physical aliments I have sufered from during that time.
I have not disclosed any mental issues as I do not have any.
So on renewall is the applicants GP automatically contacted asking about his/her medical history ?
If this is the case I wonder why many more people are not getting the same treatment.
I have recently had a visit after moving house and the check was more like an interview for renewall than a security check of the cabinets and the house.
Its also odd I think that the OP has had a letter inviting him to attend an interview.That would suggest to me that no criminal offence has been comitted.
Good luck spforrest and I hope it is soon over with a good outcome.

 

[spforrest]

Hi hogey,
It would appear that applicants GP may be contacted upon renewal, I sure this will vary from force to force though. I'm no expert and only wish to share my experiences. I've always taken the attitude that being honest is best. I genuinely believed that none of my ailments were relevant to me being suitable to own/use firearms. (Hence answering no to question 15 a, b and c). If I was depressed, abused drugs or alcohol then of course I’m not suitable but I’m not and I don’t.
I have referred to BASC’s guidelines for filling the forms in and I still think I answered (15a) correctly. I did not set out to deceive or mislead anyone.
There seems to be a ‘Grey’ area over how to answer this question correctly, what should and shouldn’t be disclosed however it seems (to me) that if in any doubt whatsoever then disclose it. I for one will be providing details of EVERY aliment in future, no matter how insignificant it may seem.
I’ve read that the renewal-grant process it to be simplified and made clearer to applicants. I’ve also been told that the wording of question 15 is to be re phrased.
I’m in favour of more thorough checks but clarification is needed, over what is or is not relevant.
I will keep you informed, Thanks.

I have had a SGC for nearly 40 years and an FAC for 10 and never disclosed any physical aliments I have sufered from during that time.
I have not disclosed any mental issues as I do not have any.
So on renewall is the applicants GP automatically contacted asking about his/her medical history ?
If this is the case I wonder why many more people are not getting the same treatment.
I have recently had a visit after moving house and the check was more like an interview for renewall than a security check of the cabinets and the house.
Its also odd I think that the OP has had a letter inviting him to attend an interview.That would suggest to me that no criminal offence has been comitted.
Good luck spforrest and I hope it is soon over with a good outcome.

 

[8x57]

spforrest have you contacted your shooting organisation for advise yet?
Did they recommend a solicitor who is experienced in firearms law?
Will that solicitor be attending the interview with you?

 

[spforrest]

spforrest have you contacted your shooting organisation for advise yet?
Did they recommend a solicitor who is experienced in firearms law?
Will that solicitor be attending the interview with you?

I have spoken to BASC's legal team, A specialist local solicitor and taken some advice from my RFD who is also my club Chairman. I have also spoken to several friends and family members who are far more educated than I am. I'm undecided whether to take a solicitor or not. On one hand I believe, I've done nothing wrong and don't need one. On the other hand, I appreciate I'm no expert and feel legal guidance will be useful. It is a dilemma !
I hope that this interview is my opportunity to alleviate any concerns of the FLO and that he will reach the conclusion that I’m suitable to own and use firearms, As I have for decades.

 

[stalker.308]

Take one with you whether you have done anything wrong or not. Get it wrong at this stage and you will regret it forever, a solicitor will make sure you get it right, especially a specialist one.

 

[Xsubmariner]

I'm sure ther are many thinking"but for the grace of god" I hope your meeting goes well and you come out unscathed. Good luck