Kent police dictate new requirements for renewal/ application for FAC

[Odders]

Since when did the police have the right to write their own laws regarding firearms?
What's next; them deciding "good reason" is needed for each & every shotgun?
Or how about new FAC holders having to call the Police every time they leave home with a firearm?
Of course the issue is nobody's prepared to challenge these arbitrary decisions because retribution is an all too possible outcome.

 

[timbrayford]

What concerns me is that GPs are being expected to do something that they are neither qualified nor have the experience to do. Diagnosis of mental illnesses usually requires a referral to a specialist practitioner, I don't quite see how merely providing some beer money for a GP enhances public safety.

 

[Miki]

What concerns me is that GPs are being expected to do something that they are neither qualified nor have the experience to do. Diagnosis of mental illnesses usually requires a referral to a specialist practitioner, I don't quite see how merely providing some beer money for a GP enhances public safety.

It doesn't. The real issue is that no-one has mounted a legal challenge. Hardly unsurprising as it will cost an absolute fortune and would not be supported by the shooting org's.

 

[gonzo]

I spoke to someone only recently, having this same battle. Not In Kent though, so the rot is spreading.

The doctor replied to the initial enquiry, stating that they are not qualified to make further recommendations, and if further reports are requred they must be requested by the police force, not the applicant, and the police will be required to pay. All per HO and BMA guidelines.
The police are now holding up the application.

The doctor is standing firm, to make a point (he didn't even charge the applicant for the letter.)
In this case, the applicant is not going to be pushed about and quite willing for this to go as far as necessary.

 

[CarlW]

I spoke to someone only recently, having this same battle. Not In Kent though, so the rot is spreading.

The doctor replied to the initial enquiry, stating that they are not qualified to make further recommendations, and if further reports are requred they must be requested by the police force, not the applicant, and the police will be required to pay. All per HO and BMA guidelines.
The police are now holding up the application.

The doctor is standing firm, to make a point (he didn't even charge the applicant for the letter.)
In this case, the applicant is not going to be pushed about and quite willing for this to go as far as necessary.

My own doctor charged me £15 to release my medical record to the police but declined to give an opinion either way on whether or not I was suitable. The FEO was just sensible about it and said "well I'm no doctor but it all seems fine to me" before handing me my renewal (and then asking to have another play about with my .500NE as he had never seen one before). I couldn't have asked for a better service from West Mercia (although I am a bit disappointed in the doctor).

Kind regards,

Carl

 

[Bavarianbrit]

On renewals/applications you will be sent a form to hand into your G.P. for him to state you have no issues that he is aware of that would be an issue for you to be granted/ or be reissued a new FAC etc
Just went along to my GP in Dover and the desk girl said there is no problem they just fill it in and she made no mention of a charge being made.
BB

 

[kes]

Ask BASC or your Org and see what they say.