Devon and Cornwall Police has made significant progress on firearms licensing, but improvements are still required
Devon and Cornwall Police has improved its performance in many areas of firearms licensing since the Keyham mass shooting in 2021, though concerns remain over its licences backlog and improper use of temporary permits, the police inspectorate has said.
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Keyham shootings: recommendations made to Devon and Cornwall Police
His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) was commissioned by the Home Secretary in April 2023 to undertake an urgent review of the force’s progress in implementing recommendations made by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) and comments made by the coroner in his prevention of future deaths report.
Inspectors said Devon and Cornwall Police had made positive changes in several areas to improve its ability to assess a person’s suitability to possess firearms, including:
- introducing a new management structure to ensure senior officers and supervisors are actively involved in the day-to-day management of the unit;
- investing heavily in its firearms licensing department by increasing the number of posts; and
- delivering extensive training to officers and staff.
HMICFRS found that the force had implemented four of the five IOPC recommendations and made substantial progress on the comments made by the coroner.
The inspectorate explained that the force didn’t agree with the wording of the outstanding recommendation, which relates to guidance to evidence review officers. Inspectors said they were satisfied that the force is entering into constructive dialogue with the IOPC, putting forward a strong case for its disagreement.
However, inspectors said they had concerns about the force’s backlog of applications for licences, which had been caused by inefficient processes, inadequate IT systems and the force not taking legitimate opportunities to reduce demand.
HMICFRS also highlighted the force’s inappropriate use of temporary permits, which should only be used in exceptional circumstances. It found temporary permits were being used to help manage volumes, which it said is against statutory guidance and must stop.
His Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary Wendy Williams said:
“The mass shooting in Plymouth was a tragic event. My thoughts remain with the victims and their families, and everyone in the local community who was affected.
“Since 2021, Devon and Cornwall Police has made significant improvements across its firearms licensing department. However, issues remain with its licences backlog and misuse of temporary permits. We are pleased the force is in the process of developing a plan to address these issues.
“The changes the force has made are already making a positive impact on its performance and will go a long way to further improving its firearms licensing practices.
“This is absolutely vital to ensure that gun licences are issued correctly, thereby protecting the public and reducing the risk of tragic events like the one in Plymouth ever happening again.”
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Keyham shootings: recommendations made to Devon and Cornwall Police
Notes
- For further information, please contact the HMICFRS Press Office on 0300 071 6781 or HMICPressOffice@hmicfrs.gov.uk.
- As of May 2023, Devon and Cornwall Police had responsibility for the largest number of firearms licences of all forces in England and Wales.
- HMICFRS will be conducting a national thematic inspection of firearms licensing in 2024. Devon and Cornwall Police will form part of this inspection.